§ 20. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes taking through the river boards to improve the country's agricultural drainage.
§ Mr. GodberI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on 5th March.
§ Mr. HughesIs it not a fact that the Minister has sent a directive to the river boards making certain proposals for the improvement of agricultural drainage? Can he say what those proposals are? In view of the fact that consultations have been going on between his Department and the interested bodies in connection with the Heneage Report since 1951, is it not time that the House was told the Government's intentions in regard to agricultural drainage?
§ Mr. GodberIf the hon. Gentleman reads the reply to which I have referred, he will see that it goes into this point and explains that my right hon. Friend is trying to find some measure of agreement on which we can go forward with this very important subject.