§ 100. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has -considered the statement of the Medical Officer of Health for Fife, a copy of which has been sent to him, regarding the delay by the Department of Health in enabling 162W the Fife County Council to proceed with the purification of the River Leven; and what action he is taking to help the county council to proceed with this urgent and important scheme essential for the improved health and housing of the community.
§ Mr. WestwoodThere has been no unnecessary delay in regard to this scheme on the part of my Department. A report by the county engineer on this scheme was forwarded to the Department of Health by the County Clerk on 14th March, but the report stated there had been no opportunity or staff to carry out the necessary surveys and that more detailed estimates would be required before any work could be proceeded with. No request for authority to proceed was made until a further letter was received from the County Clerk on 12th April, but again no more detailed specifications or estimates were provided. When the Department's Engineer discussed the position. by arrangement, with the County Engineer on 7th May, he found that its extent and some of its features had still to be finally settled. The necessity for the prevention of pollution is fully recognised, but, as has been pointed out to the local authority, approval of the scheme cannot be considered until all the necessary particulars are available. When these are provided by the County Council of Fife there will be no delay in dealing with the proposals.