Loch Lomond Water Scheme

HC Deb 21 December 1966 vol 738 cc1403-4

26. Earl of Dalkeith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the most recent estimate of the dates for starting and for completing the Loch Lomond Water Scheme; and what changes in the estimated cost of the work have occurred in the past three years.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

The start is being held up only by delay in obtaining the necessary powers. The work will take 2½ to 3 years to complete. The estimated cost in 1963 was £7.7 million to provide a supply of 50 million gallons a day, but the scheme has since been adjusted to provide up to 70 million gallons a day at a cost of about £9.8 million.

Earl of Dalkeith

In view of the many changes of circumstances since the scheme was first mooted, will the hon. Gentleman give a firm undertaking that he will not use dictatorial or undemocratic powers to compel those local authorities which have already made adequate provision for their needs for many years ahead to join in a subsidised scheme unless they expressly favour it?

Dr. Mahon

Neither my right hon. Friend nor the Government would dream of exercising dictatorial powers in any circumstances. I can give that as an absolute assurance. The Government, however, were committed in the Queen's Speech to introduce a Measure designed to reorganise water supplies in Scotland. Irrespective of that, there is no doubt that the Government are looking to the Parliamentary procedure governing the Order to see what eventuates from it.

Mr. Wylie

Is it not the case that the figure of £9.8 million, which the hon. Gentleman gave, was the cost given at the inquiry in 1965? Does that mean that there has been no increase in cost in the intervening period or that the increase has not yet been calculated?

Dr. Mabon

I am advised that there is no marginal increase of such a nature as to give rise to other figures than those which I have given to the House. The hon. and learned Member probably has a point, and I shall look into it, but I am so advised at present. This scheme was first sponsored and costed—and endorsed by the previous Government—in 1963 and it is a matter of great urgency for the areas in Cumbernauld and Livingston in particular and for other parts of Scotland that water supplies are augmented as quickly as possible—indeed, if not in 1967, certainly in 1968 and 1969.