HC Deb 23 January 1963 vol 670 cc53-4
3. Sir B. Janner

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in view of the unemployment situation, what plans he has made for allocating more money for land drainage, flood prevention and other works for which he is responsible, so as to utilise more manpower.

Mr. Soames

The capital investment allocation for land drainage and flood prevention in 1963–64 is to be increased by £½ million, making a total of £8.4 million. This will enable river boards, internal drainage boards, and local authorities to make some increase in their scale of work, and to that extent have an effect on the level of employment in particular areas.

Sir B. Janner

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his reply. Is he in constant contact with his colleagues to see that as much as possible is expended now so that the unemployment situation may be relieved—to whatever extent it can be? Is he prepared to give an assurance that if he does not get the satisfaction that he wants, he will let us know, so that we can help him in the matter?

Mr. Soames

I am not anxious about this. A great deal of work on sea defences is already going on and is helping to provide local employment. However, most of these projects are long-term and take a good deal of planning. It is difficult to speed them up further.

Mr. B. Harrison

Can my right hon. Friend say whether an increasing amount year by year has been spent on this work over the last few years?

Mr. Soames

The amount spent next year will be more than for this year. I am afraid that I do not have the figures for past years in my head.

Mr. Hilton

Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the suggestion by my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, North-West (Sir B. Janner)? Many people who normally work on the land are now unemployed. While weather conditions are against employment at the moment, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the possibility of allocating more money for land drainage, as a good deal more could be done to improve land by drainage, and that would also bring welcome relief to the unemployed?

Mr. Soames

There is the increase of £500,000 in the Estimates which I have mentioned, but that is no answer to temporary unemployment which is brought about by the bad weather over a period of weeks which may come to an end at any time.

Sir J. Maitland

My right hon. Friend mentioned sea defences. Is he aware that in the vicinity of Skegness, where there is nearly 7 per cent. unemployment, there is a scheme ready for implementation? Will he bear that particularly in mind when considering matters such as these?

Mr. Soames

Yes, I will gladly look into that.