asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the present position in regard to water supplies in Scotland?

As I stated during the Debate on the 18th instant steps have been taken in a few places in Scotland to conserve supplies by cutting off water during specified hours, by restricting the use of water for certain purposes, and by the issue of notices asking the public to avoid waste. No emergency is reported, however, and generally speaking the existing provision of water supply is functioning normally.

Does the Under-Secretary not think it a disgrace that there should be any clamour for water in Scotland which is known all over the world as the" land of the mountain and the flood"?

Whether I think it a disgrace or not, there are provisions in Acts of Parliament passed this summer under which grants are to be made available for improving the supply.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is exactly a month ago to-day that I put a question regarding the shortage of water and I was then told that the only place where there was a shortage was Brig of Turk; and can he say whether any provision is being made to deal with that shortage?

I should require notice of a question about Brig of Turk.

Mr. GURNEY BRAITHWAITE:

Is not this demand for water an entirely new development in Scotland?