HC Deb 15 July 1937 vol 326 cc1510-1W
Mr. Haslam

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction on the part of drainage ratepayers in Horncastle and district in regard to the heavy rates levied upon them by the Third Witham Internal Drainage Board and that resistance to the payment of these rates on principle is continuing; whether he is aware that the drainage board has never yet held a meeting at which either the public, the drainage ratepayers, or the Press are admitted; and whether he will intervene to arrange for periodical public meetings of this board at which the reasons for the heavy demands can be made plain to the public and assurances given as to economy and other matters as in the case of local authorities who are empowered to levy rates?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I am aware that there has been dissatisfaction in the Horn-castle district with regard to the drainage rates levied by the Witham Third District Internal Drainage Board, and I communicated some time ago with both the Internal Board and the Witham and Steeping Rivers Catchment Board with regard to possible adjustments in that district. With regard to the last part of the question, the admission of the public and the Press to meetings of the drainage board would appear to be governed by the Local Authorities (Admission of the Press to Meetings) Act, 1908, and I have no power to intervene.

Mr. Haslam

asked the Minister of Agriculture is he aware that the Third Witham Internal Drainage Board made a demand upon Mr. R. Todd, of 46, South Street, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, for an occupier's drainage rate of 15s. which was stated to be in arrear, together with 1s. 6d. fine; whether he is aware that Mr. Todd had received no demand or notice for the amount stated to be in arrear; and whether he will have an inquiry made into the circumstances in which this fine was levied?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I have no information with regard to the matters referred to in the first part of the question. I will, however, make inquiries of the drainage board and will communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.