River Board Areas

HC Deb 31 January 1949 vol 460 cc1377-8

53. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is now in a position to announce the formation of river boards areas.

Mr. T. Williams

A draft order defining a river board area for the existing catchment are of the River Severn is in preparation. As regards other parts of the country, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and I await the views of the River Board Areas Consultative Committee. The Committee is at present in consultation with the local interests mainly concerned as to the alternative area boundaries which might be adopted, and will make recommendations in the light of the local views thus obtained.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is it not a fact that the Consultative Committee has been provided with the Minister's proposals for boundaries, and does he not think that the general public are also interested in this matter and should be given a chance to express their views?

Mr. Williams

That is exactly why these consultations are going on strictly in accordance with the terms of the Act, under which the local associations and interested persons must be consulted before areas are finally defined. If it is of any interest to the hon. Member, I can assure him that the Nene and Welland Catchment Boards are amongst the boards which have now been consulted.