asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the newly-appointed River Ousel Catchment Board will include the village of Beachampton, Buckinghamshire, within its purview, or which authority is responsible for the prevention of flooding within this village.

The proposed River Ousel Drainage District does not include this village. The county council has certain general powers under the Land Drainage Act, 1930, in regard to the maintenance of watercourses and the execution of minor drainage works, but it is not specifically responsible for the prevention of flooding within this village. If difficulties have arisen and my hon. and gallant Friend will send me particulars, I shall be glad to look into the matter.