§ 37. Mr. SHAKESPEAREasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the reason why a start is not made on the Ouse drainage scheme now that the catchment board has been appointed?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe Great Ouse Catchment Board held its first meeting as recently as 1st January, 1931, and no time is being lost having regard to the complicated issues involved.
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREIn view of the importance of this scheme in respect of finding employment, and the unjustifiable delay, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at an early date.
§ 44. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of drainage schemes which were assisted from State funds in England and Wales during the year 1930; and particulars of the number of men employed on them towards the end of the year and the rate of wages paid on these various schemes?
§ Dr. ADDISON211 arterial drainage schemes assisted by my Department were in operation during 1930, and 1,207 men were being employed on such schemes at the 31st December. 541 field drainage schemes giving employment to 1,841 men were also approved during 1930, but I am not able to say how many men were employed on these schemes at any particular part of the year. I am not in a position to give particulars of the rates of wages paid in respect of either class of scheme, but the rate for a full week's work would not be less than the district minimum rate for agricultural labourers.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the men -employed at the end of December were working full time?
§ Dr. ADDISONAs far as I know, yes.