§ Mr. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state 698W the date upon which he first announced a decision to operate the provisions of the Scottish Land Drainage Act for the drainage of the Kelvin Valley; whether operations have now commenced; and whether they will be concluded this year?
§ The Lord Advocate:The intention to proceed with a drainage scheme in the Kelvin Valley was intimated by my right hon. Friend's predecessor in Office in a reply given to the right hon. Member on 17th June, 1936. As my right hon. Friend stated in his reply to the right hon. Member's question on 2nd November last, arbitration is proceeding and the Department of Agriculture is doing all that lies in its power to secure expedition within the limits of the procedure laid down by Statute. Until that procedure is completed the works cannot be commenced and I am informed that it will not be possible to have them concluded this year.