§ Mr. ROSBOTHAMasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will consider taking over the flooded areas in England under public control, as an unemployment scheme, and drain them with the object of a lay-out for small holdings?
Mr. THOMASIf my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of the areas he has in mind, I will see that the matter has full consideration.
§ Dr. PETERSasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will consider the repair and reconstruction of many rural roads in the county of Huntingdon and the drainage of lands in the fen and upland districts, so as to create further employment 674W in agriculture there and give employment to many men who were discharged months ago from their work on the roads?
Mr. THOMASMy hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is prepared to consider any useful proposals which may be submitted to him by the competent local authorities for the improvement of the roads in their charge. As regards land drainage, the needs of the area will, of course, receive careful consideration. I may add, however, that the Government are already offering financial assistance in the case of approved land drainage schemes, and that considerable advantage of the facilities available has been taken in the area under the control of the Ouse Drainage Board and the subsidiary districts within that area.