§ 40. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the Government's policy towards the implementation of the Heneage Report.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Hare)Discussions with the associations have been progressing. No agreement has yet been reached, but in order to examine the practical application of possible alternative lines of action, the river boards are carrying out a number of technical surveys. I hope that these surveys will be completed by the end of the year, and discussions will then be resumed as a matter of urgency.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister agree that there is really an acute need for improved agricultural drainage, and for better organisation? As he has had the Heneage Report in his hands for six or seven years, is not it high time that he should make up his mind what he intends to do about it?
§ Mr. HareI agree with the hon. Member that this is, indeed, a most difficult and important problem. In fact, as I think he knows, the search for practical alternative proposals must inevitably take some time if we are to try to secure agreement between the associations concerned, as I hope he and most other hon. Members would wish.