§ 29. Mr. Mathewasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the urgent agricultural need for water in the area and of the fact that the grant he has offered is insufficient, if he will now increase his offer to the East Devon Water Board for a proposed water-mains extension scheme from Branscombe Cross to Colyton Hill, Devonshire.
§ Mr. GodberI regret to have to inform my hon. Friend that the grant already offered is the maximum which can be justified by the agricultural benefits of the scheme.
§ Mr. MathewIs my hon. Friend aware that that reply will be received with dismay, not only by those farming in the area, but also by the East Devon Water Board? In view of the urgent need of piped water for agricultural purposes in the area, will he not look at the matter again?
§ Mr. GodberI am aware of my hon. Friend's concern and I have given the matter most careful consideration. I assure him that we are just as anxious as he is to see that the greatest possible help is given in these cases. In this case, the grant offered was a considerable sum. I realise that the total cost was high, but it must be for the board itself, in the light of the grant we were able to offer, to decide whether it is willing to provide these facilities.