§ 95 and 96. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what estimate he has made of the cost in 1961 of flood prevention projects in Wales; and what proportion of this cost will be borne by Her Majesty's Government;
(2) whether he is satisfied that all river boards in Wales now have adequate resources to undertake the necessary major schemes to prevent future flood disasters: and whether he will make a statement.
Mr. VaneUntil the river boards have made the necessary surveys and prepared42W schemes it will not be possible to estimate the additional cost in 1961 of measures of flood alleviation in Wales.
One purpose of the Land Drainage Bill now before Parliament is to increase the revenue available to river boards for drainage works. The rates of Government grant for approved schemes submitted by river boards vary from 20 to 80 per cent. Taking these factors into account my right hon. Friend has no reason to think that river boards in Wales lack adequate resources.