§ 31. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture how many catchment boards have submitted major schemes for draining their areas since June, 1932; how many schemes were approved; and how much financial assistance was granted by the Treasury?
§ Sir G. BOWYERFive catchment boards have submitted schemes for grant under Section 55 of the Land Drainage Act, 1930, since June, 1932. One such scheme, estimated to cost £163,393, has been approved for a grant of 62 per cent. of the loan charges for a period of 30 years, and one is under consideration. I may remind the hon. Member that catchment boards are not required to submit schemes of work to the Ministry, unless they are making application for a Government grant.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDo we understand that in each of the five cases the catchment boards have actually made application?
§ Sir G. BOWYERYes, actually one has been approved and the others are under consideration. The one approved is the Rother scheme near Rye.