§ 39 and 40. Mr. J. E. B. Hillasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) the number and estimated cost of applications for grant-aided capital expenditure by internal drainage boards which have been approved by him in principle, but have been deferred owing to the credit squeeze and current restrictions on capital works;
(2) by how much in value and proportion the applications for grant-aided capital expenditure by internal drainage boards have been cut in comparison with those by river boards in recent years.
Mr. AmorySince February, 1956, river boards and internal drainage boards have been asked to defer schemes estimated to cost £589,000 and £569,000, respectively, representing 113 applications approved in principle. These costs are about 12 per cent. and 53 per cent., respectively of the total cost of applications submitted for grant-aid. Although it is still necessary to maintain restrictions on capital expenditure in this and other fields, the method of applying these restrictions to land drainage has been adjusted so that it will be possible to include for consideration the more urgent agricultural schemes, particularly where the cost is low in relation to their agricultural importance. This will, I hope be of particular assistance to internal drainage boards.