§ Mr. MILLSasked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the proposed abandonment by the Medway Conservancy of the control of the River Medway owing to lack of funds; whether any of the barges commandeered for war services have been returned, and how far this has affected the state of insolvency; and whether he will take steps to bring the local authorities and farmers together 335W before 31st May in order to avoid this calamity?
§ Mr. NEALThe Medway Conservancy is a statutory body not under Government control. I have no information as to the proposed abandonment, except the statements to this effect made in the public Press. As to the second part of the question, I am unable to make any statement. The last part of the question appears to be one for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, from whom I understand that proposals for the formation of a drainage board are well advanced.