§ Mr. Kershawasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that occupiers of land near the banks of the Severn are suffering increasingly from damage and danger due to flooding, that this flooding is increased by the drainage works which are carried out on the uplands and that it is only the occupiers of the lowland country who pay internal drainage rates; and 213W what proposals he has to remedy this situation.
§ Mr. John MackieI am aware that flooding occurs in the area the hon. Member has in mind. The Severn River Authority is, I understand, submitting to my right hon. Friend for approval for grant aid a comprehensive scheme to alleviate this problem.
Drainage rates are levied only on land which will derive benefit or avoid danger as a result of drainage works; but where this is justified an internal drainage board can seek contributions from the river authority towards the cost to the board of dealing with upland water.