HC Deb 24 February 1938 vol 332 c546
70. Major Mills

asked the Minister of Health whether, when considering his decision on the report of the public inquiry held at Ringwood, Hants, on 25th January last, into the refusal of the county council to make an order applying for the division of the parish of Ring-wood, he will bear in mind that the provisions of the Public Health Act, 1875, authorising the constitution of special drainage areas in rural parishes, were specifically kept in force with amendments and improvements in the Public Health Act, 1936; and whether he will give effect to the intention of Parliament which has been so recently expressed?

Sir K. Wood

Yes, Sir. My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that the provisions he mentions are not directly relevant to the issue raised at the inquiry, which was directed to a proposal for the constitution of new parishes.

Major Mills

Is my right hon. Friend aware that legislation was passed a few years ago to make local government areas larger, and that the only way to relieve country districts which cannot hope to benefit by expenditure on drainage, and the like, is to set up these special purposes areas?

Sir K. Wood

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will be good enough to consult with me.