asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the number of drainage schemes being grant-aided by his Department is adequate, in view of the importance attached to this work in the report on soil structure; and if he will make a statement.

New field drainage in England and Wales continues to increase steadily. This is satisfactory and I hope that farmers will continue to take full advantage of the advisory, and financial assistance available from my Department for drainage work.

In view of the considerable backlog of drainage work throughout the country, is my hon. Friend doing enough to bring to the notice of farmers the very favourable rates of grant in operation?

The fact that there are so many applications for grant while the existing supplement is in operation is proof of the fact that farmers are well "clued up" about the importance of getting on with it.