§ 99. Mr. MacGregorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will take steps to abolish drainage rates and absorb them in the general rating system.
§ Mr. StrangNo. Drainage rates are payable only in internal drainage districts which comprise low-lying areas where there are special local drainage problems. Most of the land in these districts is agricultural and is not subject to general rates. But district councils can enter into agreements with internal drainage boards under Section 25 of the Land Drainage Act 1961 to pay in a lump sum the drainage rates due from urban ratepayers within their area, and can then spread the cost through their general rate.