HC Deb 06 June 1930 vol 239 cc2547-8
37. Mr. HACKING

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has in preparation any schemes for the reclamation of the Wash and for the drainage of the neighbouring district; and, if so, will he give full particulars, including the employment value of such schemes?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)

I am advised that any comprehensive scheme of reclamation for the Wash as a whole is quite impracticable. A scheme for carrying the training walls of the River Welland to deep water has just been begun, and may have the effect of accelerating accretion. This scheme is estimated to cost in all some £200,000, and to employ 70 men for 5 years. A grant of 50 per cent. of the final net cost has been approved.

Mr. HACKING

Did the right hon. Gentleman say that the work has been commenced?

Dr. ADDISON

Yes.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

In view of the success of the Dutch on the Zuyder Zee, will the right hon. Gentleman not get the Dutch engineers over here?

Mr. MILLS

Will the Minister take the earliest opportunity of visiting that area, when I think he will find that in the reclaimed areas near to the Wash at the moment some of the finest crops of barley in Britain have been secured?

Dr. ADDISON

I have already visited the area. There are, in fact, Dutch engineers there now on other matters, but I am quite sure that the reclamation of the whole of the Wash is an impracticable proposition.

Mr. ROSBOTHAM

Can my right hon. Friend say if the holding up of the Drainage Bill in another place is retarding this work.