asked the Lord Advocate if his attention has been drawn to the jury's finding in connection with the bursting of a hillside reservoir at Skelmorlie, Ayrshire, on 18tth April, in which they returned a unanimous verdict that the five victims were drowned by water which escaped from the lower reservoir at Upper Skelmorlie and that the accident was materially contributed to by the absence of any regular skilled supervisor and inspector of the reservoir; and whether he intends to initiate a prosecution against the person or persons responsible?

The matter referred to by the hon. Member is at present under consideration. I shall communicate with him when a decision is reached.

Is it the case that the proprietor of this reservoir is Lord Eglington, and will there not be a prosecution in this matter?

In the investigation in which reference is made, is there not a report in existence, and can we know who was the engineer, and what were the recommendations he made?

That question had better be put down.

In similar circumstances, arising out of the failure of the hon. and learned Gentleman to answer this question, if a railway engine-driver had been responsible would not a prosecution have been instituted? What is the law?

May I ask the hon. and learned Gentleman if he 16 aware that in connection with this matter an inquiry was held? This inquiry, we know, reported its finding some time ago. What action, if any, has been taken upon the findings; and, if not, why not?

The matter is at present under consideration. A decision will, it is hoped, be reached shortly, and will be communicated to my hon. Friend.