§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to the infilling of the Monk-land Canal, east of Sykeside, Coatbridge; what is the cost of the project and the approved Government grant; and if he can give approximate starting and finishing dates.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellI have just received from Coatbridge Town Council, acting also on behalf of Airdrie Town Council, a formal application for grant under Section 8 of the Local Employment Act, 1972. towards expenditure on the piping and infilling of the third phase of work on the Monkland Canal, at an estimated cost of £336,600. Subject to anything which may arise on detailed examination of the scheme, I hope to issue formal approval very soon. Until a tender has been accepted it is not possible to give a starting date, but the contract period is expected to be about 18 months. The rate of grant will be 90 per cent. of the approved net cost of the scheme.