§ Mr. de Freitasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that only four of the 23 members of the Upper Witham Drainage Board are citizens of Lincoln, and that the ratepayers of Lincoln provide approximately 60 per cent. of the money spent by the Board; and what changes he will make to ensure fairer representation on the Board and an increase in the Central Government contribution so as to help the Board tackle the urgent task of improving the drainage at Hykeham, Oxpasture and Bassingham.
§ Mr. John HareI understand that the facts as stated are correct. With regard to changes in representation as my hon. Friend explained in the debate on the Adjournment on 28th January, 1959, the initiative in this matter lies with the river board. The Exchequer contribution towards expenditure on improvements by internal drainage authorities is a uniform 50 per cent. throughout the country, and I regret that I am unable to make an exception in this case.