asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the serious conditions which have faced farmers in certain parts of East and South-East England during recent months as a result of dry weather, he will review the present activities of the drainage and catchment authorities with a view to ensuring that, in addition to the clearance of sluggish rivers, streams and watercourses, they are equally active in measures for conserving and maintaining the level of water in these rivers and streams during dry periods.