§ 59. Major CARVERasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the large acreage of land in the low-lying districts of the East Riding of Yorkshire which has been under water lately owing to the excessive rainfall; if he has considered the recent Report of the Royal Commission on Land Drainage; and whether he is prepared to make an announcement on the subject as to his intentions towards the recommendations suggested?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)I am aware that the area mentioned is subject to flooding. The Report of the Royal Commission is now under consideration, but it raises very complex questions, and I am not in a position to say when I shall be able to make an announcement as to the Government's intentions in the matter.
§ Mr. RILEYIs the right hon. Gentleman in communication with any of the drainage authorities in the areas reported upon?
§ Mr. GUINNESSI should require notice of that question. We are considering the whole of this problem very carefully.
§ Mr. PALINGCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is likely to take any action within a reasonable time in the areas which were reported upon by the Drainage Commission?
§ Mr. GUINNESSI have already explained that it will not be possible to have a Bill ready for introduction this Session, even if there were Parliamentary time in which to pass it.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes that mean that nothing it to be done during the next two years?