§ 130. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Agriculture what arrangements he is making to ensure employment for men formerly employed by farmers whose land is still flooded; if it is his intention to ensure that these farmers do not suffer permanent loss of their men; and if he will guarantee that sufficient labour will be made available to the catchment boards to repair the damage to banks, sluices, etc., at the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. CollickMy right hon. Friend has impressed on the W.A.E.Cs. concerned the need to do all they can, in co-operation with the local offices of the Ministry of Labour and with catchment boards, to ensure that employment is maintained in the flooded areas, and that workers are not dispersed. My information is that these objects are being achieved. As regards the last part of the Question, my Department will continue to do all in its power to ensure that catchment boards have ample supplies of men, materials and equipment for the rapid reinstatement of their drainage works.