§ Q111. Mr. Roweasked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with the co-operation between the Department of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in respect of future policy concerning land drainage and its effect on the environment.
§ Mr. BiffenI have been asked to reply.
The two Departments work closely together, and consult before there is any grant aid to a land drainage or flood protection scheme to which there are unresolved environmental objections. The joint guidelines to water 189W authorities and internal drainage boards are being reviewed: and both Departments will be considering responses to the recent consultation document on the "Financing and Administration of Land Drainage, Flood Protection and Coast Protection in England and Wales".