§ 6. Mr. Fitchasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that land returned to farmers at Goose Green, Wigan, after opencast operations, is still unfit for use; and what further action he proposes to take in this matter.
§ Mr. GodberMy right hon. Friend recognises the difficult problems which 3 the farmers of this land have to face. As he has explained in correspondence with the hon. Member, the recovery of the normal structure of the soil is a gradual process and there are no quick remedies. I am asking my advisory officers to continue to give their special attention to the problems of the farmers of this land.
§ Mr. FitchIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this land could be aptly described as being in a general mess and that the drainage system has proved itself to be completely inadequate, whether due to structural faults or bad planning, I do not know? Most of the land is not yielding any produce; a little of it is. When is the Parliamentary Secretary going to take some action to sort out this matter?
§ Mr. GodberI realise that there are very definite difficulties here, and, of course, the last wet season has aggravated them. At the same time, it is not an easy matter to solve. As I say, my local officials are keeping in the closest touch with the farmers concerned, but, as I tried to indicate in my reply, this will take some time to overcome.
Mr. T. WilliamsIn the meantime, as the local farmers' expenditure on cultivation and so forth shows no return, are they being adequately compensated?
§ Mr. GodberThey did, of course, re-receive compensation, but I cannot add anything to the reply given on 19th February last dealing with that point.
§ Mr. FitchOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall, with your permission, Mr. Speaker, seek leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment.