§ Mr. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many riparian proprietors have accepted the estimate and the apportionment of cost of the Kelvin Valley drainage scheme; how many proprietors have had their claims adjudicated upon by an arbiter and with what result; how many disputed claims have still to be settled; and when he expects the works to be commenced?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Colville:Sixty-six riparian proprietors have acquiesced in the apportionment of the recoverable cost as set forth in the settled scheme. Three proprietors exercised their statutory rights to have the apportionment of recoverable cost on their lands determined by arbitration, and one claim for compensation is being similarly treated. Evidence has been heard in respect of the claim for compensation and one of the cases of apportionment, and the arbiter's award is awaited. In the other two cases the hearing of evidence has been fixed by the arbiters to take place early next month. In the circumstances I regret that I am unable to say when the work will commence.