§ 2.54 p.m.
§ LORD CARRINGTON rose to move. That the Coastal Flooding (Acreage Payments) Scheme (No. 2), 1953, be approved. The noble Lord said: My Lords, This is the second scheme to be made under Sections 13 and 14 of the Coastal Flooding (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1953, and its purpose is to provide; financial help in 1954 to promote the rehabilitation of arable land and pasture in England damaged by the disastrous salt water floods that occurred in January, 1953. A great deal of work has been done in 1953 but practically all of the salt damaged lands will need 134 treatment in 1954 and probably in many cases for some years to come if any progress is to be made towards restoring the soil structure and fertility. In order to encourage the farmers of arable land to get on with the autumn sowings of suitable crops, where this has been recommended by the county agricultural executive committees as the best kind of treatment, my right honourable friend decided that it was necessary to announce in advance—subject to Parliamentary approval—the terms and conditions proposed in this scheme for acreage payments in 1954. This was done in a Press notice which was issued on October 22. This scheme is almost identical with the 1953 scheme, and I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Coastal Flooding (Acreage Payments) Scheme (No. 2), 1953, reported from the Special Orders Committee on Wednesday last, be approved.—(Lord Carrington.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.