§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many drainage grants have been given to farmers for areas from which hedges and trees have been removed; and if he will advise farmers to retain hedges and trees where possible in order to save expenditure on artificial drainage.
§ Mr. Peter Mills:From 1st January to 31st March. 1972, 3,930 grants were paid under the Farm Capital Grant Scheme for field drainage works. Of these, 133 included an element for hedge removal. Grant aid is limited to essential ancillary work. My Department's advisory staff are very much alive to the needs of conservation and amenity.
§ Dr. Marshallasked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food what proposals he now has for reorganisation of land drainage authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Mills:My right hon. Friend's consultations with the interested bodies about the future organisation of the land drainage functions of river authorities have now been completed. The Government are considering the representations made and my right hon. Friend hopes to make a statement soon. But as already announced the responsibilities of internal drainage boards will not be affected.