asked the Minister of Agriculture if steps are being taken to prepare for an emergency such as existed last year when water was led to those farms which have no supplies of their own by the N.F.S.

The arrangements made a few years ago for county agricultural executive committees to give help and advice to farmers during drought conditions will be continued with certain modifications. The Fire Service has now reverted to local administration and I am sure that the new fire authorities will wish to be as helpful as the N.F.S. were.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this year the oak is out before the ash and therefore, in the opinion of farm workers all over the country, this emergency may arise?

I would not be a bit surprised at anything arising.