§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he has made with the authorities concerned in approving a scheme for the piping and infilling of that stretch of the Monkland Canal east of Sikeside, Coatbridge, which passes through the burgh of Airdrie and 86W the county of Lanark, in view of the hazard to life and health that this waterway constitutes.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellThe initiative for preparing this scheme rests with the local authorities concerned, who have been informed that I would be prepared to accept it in principle for grant purposes. I understand that Airdrie and Coatbridge Town Councils are willing to carry out a joint scheme, but that Lanark County Council is not at present prepared to give any assurance that it will extend the scheme into the landward area.