§ Mr. E. L. Mallalieuasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent local drainage rates have had to bear the burdens caused by the floods of the winter of 1952–53 on the East Coast.
§ Mr. GodberWhile rates in the drainage districts concerned have on average increased since 1952–53 by 7 per cent., little of this increase is likely to be due to the East Coast floods of 1952–53, since the work of restoring and improving the4W sea defences was undertaken by river boards with Government grants of 100 per cent. for restoration work and of 85 per cent. for improvement work.