HC Deb 01 November 1948 vol 457 cc520-1
55. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress towards the setting up of river boards has been made since the passing of the Act; and when he will be in a position to announce the proposed new boundaries.

Mr. G. Brown

My right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, after seeking the advice of the Central Advisory Water Committee, have set up a River Board Areas Consultative Committee consisting of representatives of the associations principally concerned. Before draft orders defining river board areas are deposited there will be consultations through the Committee with local interests. The Committee is proceeding to consider each part of the country separately and in turn. Two meetings have been held to date, as a result of which it is hoped shortly to deposit a draft order defining a Severn River Board area, and to start local consultations about the boundaries of river board areas in the region east of the Pennines and north of the Humber and the southern boundary of the Yorkshire Ouse Catchment Area.

Major Legge-Bourke

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the notification which is to go out shortly to the Severn Board will cover all those boards where practically no alteration in boundary is to take place as between river boards and catchment boards as they stand today?

Mr. Brown

It will cover the area of the new Severn River Board—which, I understand, is the only area in the country that is absolutely straightforward—where a river board can be set up for the existing catchment board areas without making alterations.

Major Legge-Bourke

Could the hon. Gentleman say if a decision has yet been arrived at as to whether the Welland and Nene Catchment Boards are to be merged into one river board?

Mr. Brown

No, we are taking these things separately and in turn. It will perhaps comfort the hon. and gallant Gentleman to know that by the end of the year, or soon afterwards, we hope to have had local consultations about the definition of areas in all parts of England and Wales.