HC Deb 21 December 1937 vol 330 cc1773-4
56. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there are in the parishes of Barughs Ambo, Habton, and Kirby Misperton lands over 100 feet above sea-level that are assessable to drainage rates and other lands at a lower rate which are not so assessed by the Rye Drainage Board; and whether he will circulate to the drainage authorities a memorandum setting out the conditions when it is desirable to apply for a differential rating order under Section 24 (6), or for a review of an existing order under Section 24 (10) of the Land Drainage Act, 1930?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I am aware that there are lands included in the Rye internal drainage district which are situated at a greater height above sea-level than lands not included in the district, but as my hon. Friend knows, the inclusion of land in a drainage district depends, not upon height above sea-level, but upon local conditions with regard to land drainage. With regard to the last part of the question, I see great difficulty in adopting my hon. Friend's suggestion, but I am always prepared in individual cases to explore with the drainage authority concerned the possibility of an application of the kind referred to.

Mr. Turton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this Act, passed by a Socialist Government, is causing great hardship in many parts of the country?

Mr. Thorne

Why not repeal it?