§ Mr. De Chairasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will reconsider his decision not to authorise any grant to the Ouse Drainage Board, in view of the danger of flooding which now threatens the Fen country as a direct result of his Department's refusal to make a grant in the past towards the necessary flood precautions upon which the lives and property of thousands of people depend?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is at a loss to understand my hon. Friend's question. There has been no refusal of grants either to the Catchment Board now in control of this area, or to its predecessors, the Ouse Drainage Board. Grants at the exceptionally high rate of 75 per cent. are being paid now in respect of current drainage schemes, and have been promised for future schemes.