Drainage Boards

HC Deb 20 June 1977 vol 933 cc319-20W

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many internal drainage boards were created in the last 20 years.

Mr. Strang

In the 20 years ending 1st April 1977, 12 internal drainage boards were created for areas where no drainage board had previously existed. A further 32 internal drainage boards were established either to replace old drainage authorities or the boards of smaller drainage districts whose areas were amalgamated.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many drainage boards have ceased to exist in the last decade.

Mr. Strang

In the 10 years ending 1st April 1977, 109 drainage boards were abolished. The drainage districts covered by 57 of them were combined into 18 new larger districts.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the means whereby persons may seek to abolish an internal drainage board.

Mr. Strang

If there is sufficient support from the drainage ratepayers for the abolition of an internal drainage board the persons concerned should ask the board to request the regional land drainage committee of the water authority to prepare and submit to my right hon. Friend the Minister a scheme for the purpose under Section 11 of the Land Drainage Act 1976.

Alternatively the persons concerned may make representations direct to the regional land drainage committee.