§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the feeling of injustice caused by the way the Land Act of 1930 is being administered in various penalised local areas; and, in view of the widespread protest that is being made in all such localities, will he take steps to ensure that the rate shall be levied as a county rate within the meaning of the Act?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI could not agree that the Land Drainage Act, 1930, is being unjustly administered, but I am aware that in some areas protests have been made by some who are now being called upon to pay drainage rates for the first time. With regard to the last part of the right hon. Member's question, the 487W Land Drainage Act, 1930, does not contemplate that the cost of all drainage operations shall be charged upon the county. I have no power to take the steps which the right hon. Member suggests.