HC Deb 14 June 1932 vol 267 cc201-2W
Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many drainage schemes have been submitted to his Department by the Doncaster Drainage Board, the estimated cost of each scheme, and the attitude of his Department towards them?

Sir J. GILMOUR

One scheme for the cleansing of part of the River Torne at an estimated cost of£300 was submitted in August last by the Doncaster District Drainage Board, for which the Ministry was unable to sanction a grant. As I explained in the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 23rd November last, I informed this and other similar drainage authorities on 19th September that, in view of the existing financial situation, no further applications for grants could be entertained. Drainage authorities are, of course, empowered to carry out schemes of work financed from their own resources, although Government grants are withdrawn, and in such cases there is no necessity for schemes to be submitted to my Department for approval.

Mr. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many catchment boards have submitted proposals for draining their areas to his Department; the estimated cost of such schemes; in how many cases the schemes were approved; and what grants have been given by the Government?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Catchment boards are not required to submit to my Department drainage schemes which they propose to carry out, unless they desire to obtain a Government grant under Section 55 of the Land Drainage Act, 1930. On 14th October last, I informed catchment boards that, in view of the need for economy, no further applications for grants could be considered except in cases of the utmost emergency. Since the passing of the Land Drainage Act, 1930, four catchment boards have submitted schemes for a grant under Section 55, one being an emergency scheme since the date mentioned. The estimated cost of these schemes is£28,330, and the Government grant which was sanctioned is estimated at£10,675. In addition, four catchment boards made inquiries as to the possibility of a grant, but the Ministry was unable to recognise the cases as being of real emergency. The estimated cost of these schemes cannot be stated.