§ Mr. Steeleasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a statement on the proposal to supply central Scotland with water from Loch Lomond.
§ Mr. NobleThe working party of local water authorities which has been studying this question has reported that the scheme is a sound and economical one and that a start should be made on it as soon as practicable. While I cannot myself comment on the merits of the scheme in advance of the statutory procedure for authorising it, I am particularly gratified to know that every care has been taken to see that the amenity of the Loch will in no way be affected and that there will be the minimum disturbance, if any, to other interests. In view of the urgency of obtaining additional supplies for housing and economic development in central Scotland, I am writing to the authorities concerned inviting them to proceed, as they propose, with advance preparations for the scheme.