HC Deb 06 February 1961 vol 634 cc16-7
22. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food approximately how many acres of agricultural land in the eastern half of England were flooded during the past year.

Mr. Soames

I regret that the information is not readily available.

Mr. de Freitas

Is it not a fact that a huge area of Eastern England has been flooded during the past year? Is it not also true that in one year out of three that area is probably short of water in the summer? In view of that fact, when is the Minister going to get together with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government in order to co-ordinate policies for conservation and drainage? Further, will the Minister look at the Motion on the Order Paper, signed by over 90 hon. Members?

[That this House sympathising with those who have suffered in the recent floods and believing that much of this flooding can be prevented from happening again, that many drainage schemes are inadequate, that the method of levying the drainage rate is unjust and that the need for water conservation is not fully appreciated, calls upon Her Majesty's Government to introduce legislation to coordinate flood prevention, drainage and water conservation and to permit the construction and maintenance of the necessary works and reservoirs at the expense of the country as a whole.]

Mr. Soames

As the hon. Member knows, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government has set up a committee and has given it detailed terms of reference on the question of the conservation of water.