§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Health if it was on the authority of his Department that farmers in the Hartismere Rural District of Suffolk are being asked to make a capital contribution to the cost of stage three of the scheme for supplying water to the area; and if he will reconsider this matter.
§ Mr. BevanYes. It is reasonable that farmers, in common with other property owners, should contribute towards the capital cost of unremunerative mains extensions which are of benefit to their business activities. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries is empowered, subject to the usual conditions governing such grants, to make a grant in respect of a farm water supply scheme the cost of which includes a contribution by the farmer to the capital cost of the main extension.