§ Mr. Buchananasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he has made with the establishment of water boards under the Water (Scotland) Act, 1967.
§ Mr. RossOrders constituting all 13 regional water boards have now been made. Eight of the boards have been appointed and have either held their first meetings or will hold them within the next week. The members of the remaining five boards are now being appointed and their first meetings will be held during January. The functions of existing water authorities will be transferred to the boards on 16th May, 1968, in all regions.
The Central Scotland Water Development Board cannot he appointed until all the seven regional water boards in the 425W central area are in existence, but I expect this Board to be established in time to exercise its functions from 16th May next.