asked the Minister of Works for what reason he has refused the request of Mr. R. A. R. Drake, acting on behalf of his clients, Messrs. Holbrook (Oxted) Ltd. of Beadles Lane, Oxted, for permission to lay a main drain through his department's land at Ivy Mill Lane, Godstone, in view of the fact that this would save a considerable sum of money and cause no inconvenience.

Permission to lay a rising main was refused because it was considered that this would adversely affect the Ministry's site. I am, however, looking into the matter to see whether I can suggest a solution which would safeguard the Ministry's position and help the applicant at the same time.