asked the Minister for Agriculture when it is proposed to give permission to farmers to commence work under the western drainage scheme where applications were submitted in the second quarter of 1981.
Written Answers. - Western Drainage Scheme.
620.
A recent survey has shown that applications under the western drainage scheme received up to 30 September 1981 can be accommodated within the ceiling of 150,000 hectares provided for in the scheme. The farm development service field staff have therefore been authorised to process applications received in the second and third quarters of 1981. In some counties a number of applications received prior to 1 April 1981 have yet to be dealt with and these are being given priority.