§ 19. Mr. LIDDALLasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now prepared to support a Bill to amend the Drainage Act of 1930, having regard to the continued hardship caused by that Act?
§ Mr. ELLIOTAs I have indicated in reply to previous questions, I do not see 819 that further land drainage legislation could possibly be introduced this Session by the Government. As my hon. Friend is aware, provisions exist in the Act referred to for dealing with hardships that may arise from possible inequalities in rating for land drainage purposes, and I think it desirable to gain further experience of the existing arrangements before undertaking any amending legislation.
§ Mr. LIDDALLCan the Minister say how much further experience he must gain before he takes any action?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am afraid it would be impossible to discuss that matter within the limits of a Parliamentary question and answer.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIs there really any necessity for fresh legislation on land drainage until the present Government have begun to operate the last?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe present Act is being operated a great deal more by this Government than it has been by any other.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONNot in Scotland.