§ Mr. de Freitasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what representations he has received from the Upper Witham Internal Drainage Board about the Government's refusal to sanction the Hykeham pumping scheme; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr. AmoryIn the present economic situation, new land drainage works are being authorised only where they are immediately necessary on grounds of health, safety or other public interest, and the Hykeham pumping scheme has been deferred because it does not satisfy these conditions. The board appealed on the ground that the scheme has been in contemplation for some years, but I felt unable to reverse my decision.