§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are now able to make a statement on the action they propose to take about the Heneage Report on Land Drainage.]
EARL WALDEGRAVEMy Lords, I am glad to say that, as a result of discussions with them, agreement was reached between the four main associations concerned, namely the River Boards' Association, the Association of Drainage Authorities, the National Farmers' Union, and the Country Landowners' Association, on the principles which should be adopted for dealing with the main land drainage problems considered in the Heneage Report. Her Majesty's Government have carefully considered these principles and are prepared to accept them as a basis for the preparation of future legislation. My right honourable friend proposes shortly to issue a White Paper giving the outline of the proposals he has in mind. I will, with your Lordships' permission, circulate the text of these principles in the OFFICIAL REPORT, as they are somewhat long to give now.
§ Following is the text of the agreed principles referred to:
§ "1. Every River Board would have the power to levy a general drainage charge on all agricultural land within its area outside internal drainage districts. Such land does not 977 contribute towards the cost of land drainage through River Board precepts on county authorities and internal drainage boards. But the new drainage charge would be the equivalent (as nearly as possible) of the River Board's precept on county authorities in its area and would be intended for use primarily for extensions of main river or additional work on existing main river.
§ "2. When a River Board considers that there is a special agricultural need it may put forward to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food proposals for a special charge on agricultural land outside internal drainage districts. This special charge could apply to either the whole or part of the River Board area concerned. The revenue from this charge would be reserved for carrying out drainage work on selected watercourses, and proposals under this head would be approved by the Minister only if he were satisfied, after considering any objections and the report of any public inquiry, that a good case had been made out.
§ "3. The total charge (i.e., the general charge plus any special charge) would not exceed 1s. in the £ on the gross annual value for 'Schedule A'."
§ LORD WISEMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Earl for his reply. I am sure that when the White Paper is issued the authorities concerned will study it and will, I hope, be well satisfied with it.