§ Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the dissatisfaction of farmers and local authorities in parts of Suffolk at the inequitable burden of drainage rates whereby marsh farms suffer through the intense drainage of upland farms and are called upon to pay disproportionately high drainage rates; and if he will introduce measures to spread the cost of drainage charges over a wider area, thus relieving many small farms of a charge that is a heavy liability.
§ Mr. John HareI have received a few complaints. The discussions now taking place with the organisations concerned on drainage problems in upland areas may have some bearing on the points the hon. Member has in mind, but I do not envisage any change in the basis of rating by Internal Drainage Boards. Section 21 of the Land Drainage Act, 1930, provides for an application to a river board for a contribution towards expenses arising from the passage of upland water through a drainage district.