Mr Jack Browne: It is not really for my right hon. Friend to give an assurance, but I sincerely hope that this local and difficult problem has now been solved.
Mr Jack Browne: I am aware that drowning accidents do occur in Loch Lomond all too often and I welcome this opportunity to stress the need for caution by people bathing and boating there. My right hon. Friend has no direct powers but will now discuss the question of adequate warning notices with the county councils concerned.
Mr Jack Browne: The county council has powers to put up notices and issue such warnings, but it has to get approval from the proprietors of the lochside.
Mr Jack Browne: My right hon. Friend hopes that the new salaries for midwives which are to take effect from 1st March this year will improve the staffing position in Ayrshire. A Memorandum went to hospital authorities in April, suggesting ways of making midwifery in hospitals more attractive. My right hon. Friend is asking hospital authorities to discuss with the local authorities in Ayrshire means of...
Mr Jack Browne: One medium size firm and we believe four small ones.
Mr Jack Browne: If the hon. Gentleman had phrased his Question a little differently, the answer would have been about twenty-three firms, because in addition to those which I have already mentioned, two substantial firms expect to occupy new premises in September, three have made firm arrangements to move, seven are in active consultation with local authorities, and six are known to be actively making plans.
Mr Jack Browne: My right hon. Friend knows that abandoned properties often create a serious problem, but he has received no representations from the Corporation on the subject.
Mr Jack Browne: I am afraid that I cannot answer that supplementary question at this juncture.
Mr Jack Browne: I have asked the National Coal Board to submit a comprehensive and current assessment of the probable ultimate need for, or the timing of, this project.
Mr Jack Browne: My hon. Friend is not fiddling about with it. This is a very important matter affecting the lives of many people and we think it right to have a comprehensive and current assessment.
Mr Jack Browne: I regret that this information is not available.
Mr Jack Browne: According to my information, there are no authoritative figures.