HC Deb 22 July 1957 vol 574 cc4-5
4. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the implementation of the Heneage Report.

16. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has now completed his discussions with the National Farmers' Union regarding the findings of the Heneage Report; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Amory

The consultations with the associations and interests concerned, including the National Farmers' Union, which I stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne)on 5th March would be held, are now proceeding.

Mr. Jeger

Can the right hon. Gentleman throw out any hope that any practical results will come from the discussions which he is now carrying on? Ever since 1951 the farming interests have been waiting for some results from the Heneage Report.

Mr. Amory

The hon. Member has been very patient in this matter. I, too, am very anxious that results should come from these consultations, and I am hopeful that they will.

Major Legge-Bourke

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the recommendations of the Heneage Report fall into two parts, one of which involves a levy upon everyone whether or not land drainage is needed, and the other seeks to amend the land drainage legislation as it exists at present? As the second is much more urgent and much easier to carry out that the first, will he please carry it out?

Mr. Amory

That is one of the points upon which consultations are now taking place.

Mr. Johnson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Midlands local government authorities, catchment boards and others seem to think that it is the farming interests which are holding back these discussions? Can the Minister confirm or deny that? In the meantime, many villages have been flooded. We hope that the Minister will get on with this and prevent the distress and damage caused to many villages in the Midlands in the winter months.

Mr. Amory

The point at which there was not agreement among farmers was in regard to the main recommendation, involving the raising of a general rate. The consultations now being held relate to some proposals which I have submitted as an alternative to those upon which I could not get agreement a year or two ago.