§ The Earl of Onslowasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the owners on Tealham and Tadham Moors (Somerset) who have recently completed field drainage on their land were advised or assisted by the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service or Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food officials prior to commencing these drainage works, and, if so, whether these officials notified the NCC of the proposed works in view of the NCC's known interest in this area.
Earl FerrersAdvice from Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS) officers was sought on some of the recent drainage operations on Tealham and Tadham Moors. Where the farmers concerned had not already done so, they were urged to consult with the Nature Conservancy Council, or to permit ADAS to consult the Nature Conservancy Council on their behalf, before the proposed operations were undertaken. It would not have been proper for ADAS officers to breach the confidence, which is entrusted to them by farmers, with whom the ultimate responsibility must rest for consulting with the Nature Conservancy Council about their proposed operation.