§ 75. Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the relative proportions of the expenditure borne by the landowner and by public funds in connection with drain age schemes for the relief of unemployment?
Mr. GUINNESSDuring the present season, the Ministry's land drainage schemes for the relief of unemployment have been confined to schemes organised by county councils, in areas where no statutory drainage authorities exist. The Government are finding the whole cost of the schemes in the first instance, and 40 per cent. of that cost is recoverable from the landowners concerned within six months of completion.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to understand from that reply that the landlords are putting 60 per cent. into their own pockets?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODThen who gets the rest of it?
Mr. GUINNESSThe 60 per cent. is paid on schemes, not for one particular landlord, but in combination, for the district.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODThen the whole benefit of the drainage goes to the landlords?