HC Deb 05 November 1969 vol 790 cc1007-8
35. and 36. Mr. John Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what proposals he has received from the Lower Clyde Water Board to meet the needs of water consumers in the Paisley area and to prevent a recurring water shortage; and what action he proposes to take;

(2) on what date he expects the Loch Lomond water scheme to be operational.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. William Ross)

I have approved preliminary proposals by the board to lay new mains to augment supplies to Paisley from Loch Katrine pending completion of the Loch Lomond Scheme by the summer of 1971.

Mr. Robertson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, unless there is an exceptional period of rainfall between now and this time next year, there will be another water shortage in the Paisley area next summer with the consequential laying off of work-people and loss of production in the area? Does not my right hon. Friend think that he might have taken the advice that Paisley Corporation gave six years ago to build a new reservoir in the area?

Mr. Ross

With all due respect, I was not in office six years ago to take advice from Paisley. My hon. Friend will appreciate that the Loch Lomond scheme was considerably held up, but I will spare my hon. Friend's blushes by not giving a list of the local authorities that objected to it.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Will the Secretary of State comment on today's warning by a Scottish water board of continuing shortage over a wide area of Scotland for some time to come?

Mr. Ross

That is true. We have been faced with two remarkably dry summers and a very dry winter. In the particular area which we are discussing, we have had so far this year only 60 per cent. of the average rainfall. Obviously, there is a difficulty. It is a help, now that we have regionalisation, that we can to a considerable extent take water from one area to another—as has been done to the advantage the advantage of some areas in this period. But we are alerted to the position and will take all possible steps.

Mr. Robertson

In view of the nature of the replies, I beg to give notice that I shall wish to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

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