§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the grant earning ceiling determined for internal drainage boards in England and Wales for 1990–91.
§ Mr. CurryGrant earning ceilings, which determine the amount of flood defence expenditure in a financial year on which grant will be paid, are allocated to the National Rivers Authority, who undertake each year a substantial number of schemes. For internal drainage boards, of whom only a proportion will promote schemes in a single financial year, grant expenditure is constrained within an overall provision for all boards, and grant is paid when schemes have been approved by my Department. In 1990–91 in England grant provision to IDBs is £1.7 million.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales can provide information on the position in Wales.