§ 41. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture if the engineer's report on the flooding in the Doncaster drainage area is now available; and will he state what remedial measures are contemplated to avoid any repetition of the present disaster?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)I have received reports from the officers of my Department as to the flooding which has taken place in the neighbourhood of Doncaster, as well as in other parts of the country. The Drainage Authorities concerned are actively considering the question of remedial measures, and any assistance in these deliberations which the officers of my Department can give will be at the disposal of the Boards concerned.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the Ouse Catchment Board meeting frequently?
§ Sir J. GILMOURMy officers are in close touch with these bodies at present.
§ 42. Mr. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that many farmers in the Fishlake, Sykehouse and Thorne areas have lost their crops through flooding during the last three years; and will he state whether any financial assistance has been or will be paid by the Government to those farmers who are ruined in this way?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am aware of the position described by the hon. Member, but I regret that I am unable to hold out any hope of financial assistance from the State.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSAre we to understand that, although these fanners for three successive years have lost almost the whole of their crops, it is impossible for the Government to assist them to continue their farming?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI do not say that, but it is clear that the Government have no money that can be allocated for this purpose.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIf any application were made for credit facilities, would the Government assist them in that direction?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIt is very unlikely that such a scheme could be made workable.
§ 43. Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the recent flooding in different parts of the country, he will take steps to enlarge the existing statutory powers so as to prevent future flooding, not only to protect life and property, but to provide work for large numbers of the unemployed?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe catchment boards constituted under the Land Drainage Act, 1930, have ample powers to deal with the position referred to by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. MACLEANWill the right hon. Gentleman issue instructions to these catchment boards to put their statutory powers into operation to prevent further flooding?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIt is not my province to issue instructions, but I am in close touch with the bodies who have power under the Act.
§ Mr. MACLEANSince the right hon. Gentleman is in close touch with them, will he give a little push with the touch?