§ 67. Mr. TURTONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, owing to the unfavourable weather of last year, certain drainage schemes which had been sanctioned were unable to be completed; and whether he is prepared to extend the time for completing such schemes until the 15th June?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI am aware that a number of schemes have been delayed by unfavourable weather, and I propose early in May to ascertain the state of progress of all schemes. If it is then evident that a number of schemes cannot be completed by 31st May, I will seek the necessary authority for such slight extension of time as may he required in individual cases.
§ 68. Mr. TURTONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that a large amount of agricultural labour has failed to be absorbed on the land; and whether, to assist such unemployment, he is prepared to continue to aid schemes for land drainage and water supply throughout the year?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI propose to recommend a resumption in the early autumn of schemes for the relief of rural unemployment, but during the summer months there is usually little or no unemployment among agricultural workers, and it would be undesirable to set on foot schemes which might endanger the supply of labour required during the harvest months.