HC Deb 07 June 1984 vol 61 cc429-30
1. Mr. Yeo

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when his Department expects to produce a review of drainage.

2. Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will complete his current review of drainage policy.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mrs. Peggy Fenner)

The preparatory work in connection with the review has now been completed and I and my colleagues intend to issue a consultation paper during the summer.

Mr. Yeo

I thank my hon. Friend for her reply. Is she aware that there is great concern at the non-appearance of the review at a time when some of the country's finest wetlands, such as Halvergate marshes in Norfolk, are under threat, and that it is unacceptable to envisage the destruction of those wetlands with the use of public subsidies?

Mrs. Fenner

I appreciate my hon. Friend's concern. I can only assure him that the review has taken some time to complete because of the complex issues involved, but that we seek to publish the consultation document this summer.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

When the review appears, will my hon. Friend ensure that the cost-benefit analyses for large drainage schemes are at last subject to public scrutiny? Does she accept that it is very seldom that truly confidential material is revealed by these analyses, and that when scarce habitats are being drained using public money, public interest demands disclosure?

Mrs. Fenner

Officials have considered the possibility of limited disclosure of the results of cost-benefit assessments, and their conclusions will also be included in the consultation paper.

Mr. Hunter

Will my hon. Friend comment on the general charge that there is little point in draining scarce wetland at public expense in order to produce agricultural surpluses?

Mrs. Fenner

Very often, the lands drained are not involved in producing the surpluses of the moment.

Mr. Mark Hughes

Will the hon. Lady specifically consider the problem of Wakefield? My right hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield (Mr. Harrison) is in major difficulty, as the process of draining upstream is causing tremendous damage in the city.

Mrs. Fenner

We have arranged a number of meetings on the matter. We are very conscious of the concern expressed by the hon. Gentleman and will keep the matter under review.