HC Deb 12 November 1928 vol 222 cc529-30W
Major GLYN

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many drainage authorities there are in the Thames watershed; what rates they are levying; and what is the work they are responsible for.

Mr. GUINNESS

The total number of statutory Drainage Authorities in the Thames watershed is 14, of which one is

Mr. GUINNESS

The following statement gives the number of cows and heifers in Great Britain on 4th June in each of the years 1926, 1927 and 1928:

not operating and levies no rates. The rates levied by the others during the year 1927–28 varied from 1¼d. per acre to £1 per acre. Two of these authorities operate under Inclosure Awards, four others, including the one not operating, are elective Drainage Boards acting under the general land drainage law, while the remaining eight consist of the Thames Valley Drainage Commission and its seven subsidiary District Boards. These last operate in the middle and upper reaches of the Thames with powers that are practically co-extensive with those of an Authority acting under the general law, the Commissioners being responsible for main arterial works in their area and the District Boards for minor works.