§ 58. Mr. Digbyasked the Minister of Agriculture what expense has been incurred up to date in the draining of a 216W field of approximately four acres at Fishweir Lane, Bradpole, Bridport, Dorset; how many manhours have been involved in this work; and how much petrol has been used in the transport of labour to and from the field.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI assume that the hon. Member refers to a field of about 5.8 acres formerly derelict owing to waterlogging, upon which reconditioning work, including the laying of tile drains, was started by the Dorset Agricultural Executive Committee, on behalf of the owners, last February. The cost of the work to the owners will be of the order of £40 per acre, towards which a Government grant of £7 10s. per acre will be payable. Prisoners of war from a hostel four miles away have been employed on the work, which has occupied 5,670 man hours. It is estimated that 76 gallons of petrol have been used in conveying them, with other labour engaged on work in the vicinity, between the hostel and the site.