HC Deb 02 December 1976 vol 921 cc1145-6
4. Mr. Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what further consideration he has given to the publication of a phased provisional programme for future drainage works which are in contemplation.

Mr. Dunn

This suggestion has been given consideration, as my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland promised on 1st July 1976. Provisional proposals can be misinterpreted to mean actual commitments, and my view is that the disadvantages of publishing even a provisional plan for the drainage of Northern Ireland would outweigh the advantages.

Mr. Powell

Is the hon. Member aware that while I recognise the close interest which he personally has taken in this matter—including my own constituency— I shall continue to press him to find a method of indicating to those interested, particularly in agriculture, broadly what are the prospects and intentions during the coming years, and to persuade him that this will be advantageous to the Government and to representatives of Northern Ireland as a matter of public relations and public opinion?

Mr. Dunn

As the right hon. Gentleman has recognised, and as I have said many times, I am more than willing to see hon. Members concerned with drainage problems in their constituency or, indeed, the organisations already existing in Northern Ireland, such as the Farmers' Union. However, one of the disadvantages would be that any provisional proposals would automatically cause controversy in the order of priorities and the times spent in undertaking surveys, because the representations made by deputations would really stop the drainage programme as we now know it.

Mr. Wm. Ross

Is the Minister aware of the great problems which arise as the result of minor watercourses and which can be successfully tackled only by Government action? Will he give an undertaking that the programme on the minor watercourses will not only be continued, but will, in fact, be expanded?

Mr. Dunn

I give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that we shall continue wherever possible to deal with minor watercourses. However, that in itself causes problems, because those riparians on either side of the watercourses often hold negotiations to a point where serious delay is involved. If I were to follow absolutely what the hon. Gentleman has requested, criticism would fall upon me for inaction.