§ Mr. Matherasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his recent discussions with the Thames Water Authority and the Surrey County Council for apportioning the cost of the Lower Mole flood alleviation scheme; and if he can say what proposals he has for apportioning the cost of future schemes of this kind.
§ Mr. StrangIt was agreed that the Surrey County Council would make a contribution of 35 per cent. towards the net cost of the scheme, subject to consultation between the authorities in the event of any significant variation in costs other than those arising from inflation, and that the Thames Water Authority would carry out a fundamental review of its policy of seeking contributions from county councils. The question of seeking contributions from local authorities or private developers towards the cost of drainage schemes is a matter for decision by each water authority.