§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to introduce new regulations to amend the provisions of the Land Drainage Act 1976 in order to permit the National Rivers Authority and internal drainage boards to precept drainage rates from (i) domestic householders, (ii) business premises and (iii) agricultural holdings.
§ Mr. CurryWe have already made the Internal Drainage Boards (Finance) Regulations 1990 (SI 1990 No. 72) which came into force on 24 January 1990. They provide that, from 1 April 1990, internal drainage boards (and the NRA when acting as an internal drainage board), may continue to collect drainage rates direct from the agricultural sector and, in respect of the non-agricultural sector may impose a special levy on the district councils in whose area the internal drainage district lies.
§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will state what consultations he has held with interested parties over the method by which drainage rates will be levied after 1 April.
§ Mr. CurryWe consulted the Association of County Councils, Association of District Councils, Association of Drainage Authorities, Association of London Authorities, Confederation of British Industry, Country Landowners 57W Association, Internal Drainage Boards, London Boroughs Association, National Association of Local Councils, National Farmers Union, National Rivers Authority and the Tenant Farmers Association.