HC Deb 18 July 1940 vol 363 cc397-8
59. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in respect of the grants for land drainage upon which 50 per cent, of the cost up to £7 10s. is being allowed by the Government, full consideration has been given to the present day cost of tiling and draining an acre of land; and whether, in view of the expert estimated cost of £30, he will consider augmenting the allowance in respect of such drainage?

Mr. Hudson

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. I cannot agree that the cost of tile drainage is as high as £30 per acre, but as I have already announced, the grant may, in exceptional circumstances, exceed £7 10s. per acre.

Mr. De la Bère

But was not this grant fixed by the Treasury, and indeed by the Treasury officials, who are quite unsym- pathetic and biased against all the interests of the agriculturists of this country?

Mr. Hudson

No, Sir. I would like to disabuse the hon. Gentleman of that idea. Since I have been head of this Department I have not had any difficulty with the Treasury beyond the normal one which every Minister has in proving his case. So far I have obtained from the Treasury everything that I want.

Mr. De la Bère

But is not my right hon. Friend aware that that is exactly the point? It is the normal difficulty which is encountered here. Nothing was ever intended to be done.