HC Deb 24 October 1940 vol 365 c1141
47. Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the necessity for cleaning out farm and parish drains in the Louth drainage area and in the area above the Louth drainage area; and whether, in the interest of food production and of those who do clean out their drains, he will take steps to ensure that individuals who do not, do not prejudice the food production of those above them?

Mr. Hudson

I appreciate that work is urgently required on many of the drains to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, and I understand that the Lindsey War Agricultural Executive Committee have already served several notices under Regulation 62 of the Defence Regulations on occupiers both inside and outside the Louth drainage district, requiring the cleaning out of drains. The Lindsey County Council have also under consideration the submission of drainage schemes under Section 15 of the Agriculture Act, 1937, to my Department for grant in respect of land adjoining the Louth drainage district. No schemes have yet been submitted by the drainage board for grant, but I am informed that a consulting engineer is reporting to the board on the drainage system of the area as a whole. I am urging on the board the necessity of adopting a vigorous policy in the administration of their area.

Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that war agricultural committees and county councils have sufficient powers to insist upon the obligation for land drainage being carried out?

Mr. Hudson

Generally speaking, they have, I think, adequate powers.