Mr. Haslamasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Witham Third District Internal Drainage Board have considered the question of making a differential rating order to alleviate the position in Horncastle; and, if not, whether he will bring to the notice of the board the powers which they possess in this respect under the Land Drainage Act, 1930?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI understand that on more than one occasion the Witham Third District Internal Drainage Board have considered the question of making a differential rating order, but that on each occasion they have decided not to do so. The matter is one for the drainage board to decide, but I am prepared to communicate with them again in the matter in the sense indicated by my hon. Friend.
Mr. Haslamasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that no member of the Witham and Steeping Rivers Catchment Board is a resident of Horncastle or the River Bain district, he will receive and take into account any observations or comments of those well acquainted with the rivers, becks, and drainage of the Bain district, including the urban and rural district councils of Horncastle, in regard to the £24,000 scheme for the improvement of the River Bain by the catchment board?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI have no information yet with regard to the scheme referred to by my hon. Friend, but it will receive my careful consideration when submitted, and I should, of course, also consider any representations which reach me on the subject from local bodies.