§ Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Minister of Agriculture why the rate levied by the Medway Internal Drainage Board has been so suddenly and greatly increased; and whether he will consider taking steps to transfer this burden from those few who do not benefit more than other taxpayers to the Exchequer?
§ Sir W. WomersleyI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the rates levied by the Lower Medway Internal Drainage Board, since the rate levied by the Upper Medway Internal Drainage Board for the current year is the same as that levied for the preceding year. The increase in the rates levied by the Lower Medway Board is due to the adoption by that board of a revised scheme of differential rating which, by increasing the measure of relief enjoyed by certain parts of the drainage district, has made it necessary for higher rates to be levied in other parts.
With regard to the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend does not accept the proposition that drainage ratepayers do not derive a, special measure of benefit from the land drainage works for which they are rated, and it would not be equitable for the whole cost of land drainage works to be borne by the Exchequer.