§ 55. Mr. Cooper-Keyasked the Minister of Agriculture upon what authority the Pett Drainage Board is demanding drainage rates for the years 1940–45 from local householders who were compulsorily evacuated during this period; whether he is aware that these accumulated demands presented at this late date are causing hardship to the householders concerned; and whether he will take steps to have the demands withdrawn.
Mr. T. WilliamsThe Drainage Board derives its powers to levy rates from the Land Drainage Act, 1930. I am not aware that the Board's demands are causing hardship, but if in any particular case they are, there is a procedure for dealing with the matter under the Liabilities (War-Time Adjustment) Act, 1944.