40. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Agriculture what drainage operations for the improvement of agricultural land are being undertaken by drainage authorities; what is the amount of Government aid in respect of each undertaking; and whether any pressure is being brought to bear on any drainage authority to carry out this work?
Mr. THOMSONMy right hon. Friend has no definite information in regard to works now being undertaken by drainage authorities except in those cases where schemes are being assisted by grants from the Ministry. The total number of such schemes to which grants have been given or promised is 47; the grant varies from 221 33½ per cent. to 50 per cent. of the total net cost, and the Ministry's total commitments are estimated at £337,000. As regards the last part of the Question, my right hon. Friend has no statutory authority enabling him to compel drainage authorities to carry out any drainage works.