§ THE EARL OF ALBEMARLEasked Her Majesty's Government whether they are now in a position to make a statement on the recommendations on land drainage contained in the Heneage Report.
EARL ST. ALDWYNYes, My Lords. The Government has reluctantly come to the conclusion that, in view of the divergent opinions held by the interests concerned, it would not be justifiable at present to implement the main recommendations of the Heneage Report under which all intermediate watercourses not now the responsibility of a drainage authority would be taken over by river254WA boards, and additional finance would be provided by means of a national charge on agricultural land outside internal drainage districts. Nevertheless, my right honourable friend is satisfied that on many of these intermediate water-courses improvement works, together with subsequent maintenance, are necessary, and that additional powers are needed to enable such works to be undertaken as and when they are required. He is therefore arranging for consultations with the Associations concerned, and hopes that it may be possible to reach agreement on proposals designed to secure progressive improvements in this field.
House adjourned at ten minutes before seven o'clock.