Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, has written to the UK Government to offer Scottish assistance following a recent Drought Summit staged in England.
Mr Neil said: "The South of England is facing real issues with water supply, which look set to continue well into the future.
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"With Scotland’s plentiful supply of water and superb industry expertise it is only right we offer our assistance in the long term. There are undoubtedly huge logistical issues to overcome, but as I saw personally this week while opening Scottish Water’s new £130 million Glencorse Water Treatment works, we have world leading capabilities here in Scotland.
"I note the Mayor of London has raised the issue as something that needs to be seriously considered, and while we are clearly at the start of the long process, we are willing to discuss the practicalities.
"For example, High Speed Rail may provide opportunities for joint working on the necessary infrastructure. Our Hydro Nation agenda is ambitious and offers huge opportunities in this area. That means helping out others where possible too, and I am willing to make that happen, if the UK Government is too."
(GK)
