§ 39. Mr. PALINGasked the Minister of Agriculture what progress is being made with the proposed Don drainage scheme; and what measures are being taken to 1042 protect the Bentley area from floods this coming winter?
§ Sir G. BOWYERWork is proceeding in connection with the improvement of the Lower Don. My right hon. Friend understands that three excavators are now at work and that a fourth will be added during August. Difficult questions have, however, arisen as to the best method of dealing with the outfall of the Don into the Ouse having regard to navigation interests, and the Catchment Board are obtaining further advice on this part of their proposals. The Catchment Board are also actively engaged upon the preparation of a scheme for the Upper Don and its tributaries. As regards the second part of the question, the bank which the Catchment Board erected last year is designed to protect Bentley from all ordinary floods, but the scheme for the Lower Don now proceeding is designed to cope with extraordinary floods.
§ Mr. PALINGIs the hon. Member aware that in the opinion of the inhabitants of Bentley and the local experts who have examined the scheme, the arrangements made up to the present are totally inadequate?
§ Sir G. BOWYERI will convey what the hon. Member says to my right hon. Friend.