§ Mr. S. MITCHELLasked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the Minister of Agriculture, the total amount of grants made to agriculturists for land drainage during the year 1924, and the estimated amount which it is anticipated will be spent during 1925; and the approximate percentage of agriculturists who have been assisted in this manner?
§ Sir H. BARNSTONSince 1922–23 the Ministry has made grants, out of Unemployment Relief Funds, towards schemes of land drainage and sea defence, and of water supply for groups of holdings, to be carried out during the period approximately October to May. Last season the total amount of the Ministry's commitments was approximately £195,000, of which approximately £24,000 is recoverable. So far this season 132 schemes have been approved, and the Ministry's commitments amount to some £37,000, of which £12,000 is recoverable. I am unable to state the percentage of agriculturists who may have been assisted by 1407W such schemes, but the area of land benefited by the schemes carried out last season is estimated at 668,529 acres.