65. Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of another place to annul the Wye and Usk River Board Area Order. 1951, made on 22nd May, 1951; how many objections were received from the counties of Brecon, Hereford, Monmouth and Radnor against the order; and if he will consult with the Minister of Housing and Local Government in regard to this matter and make a statement as to the Government's intentions.
§ Sir T. DugdaleYes. Petitions of general objection against this Order were lodged by the Wye Board of Conservators, the River Wye Catchment Board, the Hereford County Council and the Hereford and Leominster Borough Councils, together with the Councils of 10 districts in the County of Hereford.
The Radnor County Council and five county district councils in Radnorshire, four county district councils in Monmouth and two in Brecon had objected to the draft Order earlier but did not present petitions to Parliament. The Government decided to accept the Motion for the annulment of this Order, because of 163W the strong local opposition and the likelihood that a single board for this area would not work harmoniously in practice, whatever arguments on paper might be advanced in favour of it. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government and I propose, in due course, to place on deposit draft Orders providing for separate River Board Areas for the Wye and Usk.