§ 66. Mr. LAMBasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the damage to agricultural land that has occurred through flooding in various parts of Lancashire owing to the bursting of sea and river embankments; whether he is aware that if these breaches in the embankments are not repaired large tracts of land will go out of cultivation, and that many of the landowners and farmers concerned are financially unable to have the requisite repairs effected; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
Mr. GUINNESSI am aware that serious flooding has taken place owing to the bursting of embankments, but I regret that I am unable to take any effective action in the matter. Under the Lancashire County Council Drainage Act of 1921 the county council have certain powers in relation to drainage matters, including the power of borrowing moneys for carrying out works, but the provisions of that Act may not be applicable in all cases of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend. I understand, however that the county council are considering whether other action is possible.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLCan the right hon. Gentleman say in these cases in which large areas are liable to inundation on whom the responsibility rests for repairing the sea defences?
Mr. GUINNESSThe construction and upkeep of these sea defences rests on the varying responsible authorities in the different areas, but I cannot give the hon. and gallant Member any general answer.
§ Sir J. NALLCan the right hon. Gentleman say whose duty it is to see that the people responsible do this work?
Mr. GUINNESSIn many cases it is the landowner who carries it out himself. In other cases, where there are many people concerned the drainage authorities may undertake the responsibility, but it is often difficult to get these large works 2061 carried out on such a basis as to ensure the necessary financial support from those who really benefit.
§ Mr. CLYNESDoes this refer to the damage to agricultural land only, and may I ask in respect of damage to other land and property whether the Government are prepared to consider any approach that may be made from the local authorities?