§ Mr. George Y. Mackieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the plans of Her Majesty's Government for reforming the system of land drainage rating; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MackieI do not think there would be any case for interfering with the well established principle of land drainage legislation that areas which derive benefit or avoid danger as a result of drainage operations are liable to be constituted as drainage districts and hence to pay drainage rates. We have in mind the need to provide a more up-to-date basis of assessment for drainage rates though I am afraid I cannot hold out any immediate prospect of legislation for this purpose.