§ 59. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of agricultural land are subject to periodic flooding; what proportion is properly drained; and if he is satisfied that the dykes are cleared adequately and regularly.
Mr. T. WilliamsA great deal of land in river valleys is necessarily subject to periodic flooding, but information as to the acreage involved is not available. Where flooding appears to be preventable much work has been done, and continues to be done, by statutory drainage authorities, and I am generally satisfied that those authorities are carrying out their duties satisfactorily within the limits imposed on them by factors outside their control.
§ Mr. OsborneHow much deep drainage is taking place at present? Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that as much is being done as could reasonably be done?
Mr. WilliamsDrainage schemes generally are absorbing about £6 million annually. If the hon. Member has any particular scheme in mind, I shall be glad if he will let me know about it.