§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when copies of the discussion document on the reorganisation of Scottish local government were sent to(a) the Scottish press and (b) Scottish hon. Members, giving the exact time and date of dispatch in each case.
§ Mr. StewartCopies of the consultation paper on the structure of local government in Scotland were sent out by first class post to all right hon. and hon. Members representing Scottish constituencies on Monday 12 October, the date on which the paper was published. Copies were made available on arrival to members of the press who attended the public launch of the paper at 3 pm that day.
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§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the dangers at open disused quarries, particularly those which are filled with water; what further representations he has received regarding the incident at Bellrock quarry, resulting in the deaths of two schoolchildren; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector MonroApart from the hon. Member's own representations in September, only one other letter has been received about the Bellrock quarry incident. There have been no representations about the dangers generally of open, disused quarries. As my letter of 21 October to the hon. Member confirmed, local authorities in Scotland already have sufficient powers under the Public Health (Scotland) Act 1897. Indeed, I understand that Kyle and Carrick district council has now erected fencing around the quarry.