HC Deb 19 March 1928 vol 215 cc10-1
32. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has accepted the recommendations of the Drainage Commission relating to the area around the county borough of Doncaster; whether a drainage Court has been set up; and, if so, will he give the names of the personnel?

33. Mr. W. PALING

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet reached any decision relating to the recommendations of the Commission on Mining and Drainage in an area around the county borough of Doncaster; and whether he intends to set up a drainage Court?

Mr. GUINNESS

The Report referred to has only just been published, and it would be premature to say what course the Government will adopt with regard to the recommendations of the Commission. I may point out, however, that legislation would be necessary before they could be put into operation.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is there any possibility of legislation being enacted this year to deal with this very peculiar problem?

Mr. GUINNESS

No, I cannot promise that.

Mr. PALING

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate when he is likely to reach a decision, so that we may put down a question?

Mr. GUINNESS

There is no chance of an early decision. The Report was published only on 12th March, and there are many complicated questions which will have to be examined before we can reach any decision.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Are we to understand from the reply that there is no possibility of land which lies derelict being dealt with during the present year?

Mr. GUINNESS

I do not see the slightest chance of legislation on the subject.

Mr. PALING

Was not this Commission set up because of the great importance of having this question dealt with immediately, and now that the Commission has reported, are we not entitled to expect that the Report will be considered and a decision arrived at?

Mr. GUINNESS

The Report is being considered, and we shall arrive at a decision as soon as ever we can, but the exigencies of Parliamentary time are such that it is quite impossible to hope for legislation during the present year.

Mr. PALING

In view of what has happened before, I am inclined to think that this is merely a means of putting off the whole business.

Mr. MONTAGUE

Does the Minister consider that this House ought to have five months' holiday in the year?

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