§ Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average length of time taken by his Department to deal with an application for approval of a water order; when the initial draft of the water order for Allt Bail un Tuim, Bhuidhe in Glenmoriston was submitted to the Scottish Office by Highland regional council; when he expects to be able to give approval; and if he will make a statement on the length of time taken to process this water order.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe average time from submission of a preliminary draft to making a water order is about 20 months. The initial draft of the Allt Bail'un Tuim Bhuidhe water order was submitted on 22 July 1987. Engineering appraisal and consultation within the Scottish Office was followed by several rounds of correspondence with the council. Statutory procedures, including an advertising stage which allows for objections to the Secretary of State, have still to be completed and I cannot say when the order will be made. The time taken to deal with this order reflects the degree of consultation and consideration required, and is not unusual. The procedures are designed to safeguard the rights of all parties who may be affected.