§ 21. Sir DOUGLAS NEWTONasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has received any representations from the Ouse Drainage Board regarding the carrying out of the works proposed by the Ouse Drainage Bill, 1927; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in respect to it?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)I have received the representations referred to, which are now under consideration. My hon. Friend may be aware that the new proposals would involve a much larger measure of State assistance than was contemplated under the Bill of 1927.
§ Sir D. NEWTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter is one of considerable urgency, and, if floods should arise, there is considerable danger that much land will be thrown out of cultivation and more men will be unemployed?
§ Mr. GUINNESSI agree that the matter is very urgent and that is why we did our best to pass the Bill dealing with it two years ago. We are making a grant for certain smaller works within this area pending a settlement of the whole matter.
§ Sir HUGH LUCAS-TOOTHWould not this work be suitable for unemployed miners?
§ Mr. GUINNESSYes. In some cases these schemes are suitable for unemployment grants loans.