§ 92. Mr. SIMMasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether full returns have been made of agricultural land which would be improved by new drainage; and, if extensive new drainage is required, has the Agricultural Board "any proposals to make in the matter, with the object of increasing the productivity of the land, and also providing work for unemployed men?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe Ministry has received returns as to 770,000 acres of land which is suffering seriously from the lack of arterial drainage, but these returns deal only with the worst cases. Since August, 1918, 174,000 acres of new land have been brought under drainage authorities, and proposals are now being prepared for dealing with another 850,000 acres in the same manner. The question of drainage schemes as a means of alleviating unemployment has been carefully considered. There are, however, many difficulties to contend with, such as cost of labour, accommodation, and winter conditions. Wherever possible, drainage authorities are being urged to expedite work where unemployment is serious.