asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what steps he is proposing to take to abate the flooding of Captain Newlove's farm and the surrounding area in Woodmansey in the East Riding of Yorkshire caused by the new culvert on the Hull—Beverley road which was built by the East Riding County Council in March, 1950.

As my hon. Friend is aware, full responsibility in respect of the flooding of Captain Newlove's farm has not been accepted by my Department. Experts representing both Captain New love and my Department have now agreed on a remedial drainage scheme and details of this are at present being prepared.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I inquire why nearly five years have elapsed before steps have been taken to deal with this matter?

The main reasons are two. In the first place, this began as a matter of litigation, and it was only after the settlement of the intended proceedings that it was possible to investigate the details and the rights of third parties also involved.