Mr. McCluskerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many rural dwellings in Scotland are without a mains water supply; what is the cost yardstick per dwelling to supply water in rural areas; and whether there are any special remoteness grants available
§ Mr. William RossExact figures are not available, but I estimate the number of people concerned at about 90,000, most of whom have a private piped water supply. It is for the responsible water authority to decide if a public water supply can be provided at reasonable cost, but the normal maximum cost per dwelling 307W on which rural grant is paid is at present £1,200. Schemes to serve rural areas are eligible for grant under Rural Water and Sewerage Acts, but there is no special supplement for remoteness.