§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total amount raised by the drainage rate within the County of Nottinghamshire; how many are liable to pay the rate; what is the average amount paid in the most recent year; what sum for drainage within the county comes from other sources; and if he will consider proposing ending the levying of the drainage rate and making it a part of the general rate for the county served or make it a national charge.
§ Mrs. FennerI have been asked to reply. This information is not available. There are 11 internal drainage boards levying drainage rates in Nottinghamshire, but seven of them overlap other counties.
Drainage rates are paid by owners and occupiers of property in drainage districts, who receive special benefit and protection from the operations of the drainage boards. It would not be reasonable to transfer the cost to the general ratepayers or to make it a national charge. Most of the land in drainage districts is agricultural and is not subject to general rates. But local authorities can enter into agreements with drainage boards to pay in a lump sum the drainage rates due from urban ratepayers, and can then spread the cost through their general rate. Nationally the Government make a substantial contribution by offering drainage boards a grant of 50 per cent. towards the cost of capital works and improvements.