asked the Minister of Agriculture what estimates of work, excluding long-term schemes, have been submitted to his Department by catchment boards of those rivers discharging into the Wash; if he has approved this expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the progress of the work, with particular reference to manpower and materials involved.

Repair and reconstruction works on Fen river embankments are being pressed forward energetically in all areas and schemes for different sections are being approved as details are submitted. Full estimates of cost are not available, but expenditure on urgent works scheduled for completion before next winter in the areas of the four boards whose rivers discharge into the Wash may amount to some £750,000. The work is being done partly by contract and partly by direct labour, and some 750 men, including prisoner labour made specially available, are employed on it. My Department is giving all possible assistance with supplies of materials and equipment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is satisfied that in the North Level Board's area sufficient labour and materials are available, and is he aware that there are considerable complaints in that district? Is he further aware that there are considerable complaints that the work is not being done nearly fast enough in the other areas, especially the South?

I am not aware of those facts, but if the hon. and gallant Member will be good enough to send me any information on the point, I will look into it.