IT is reassuring to know this Government has taken seriously the need to curb needless public expenditure in the wake of the current economic crisis.

The spending of £294,027 by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to research and finally reveal that ducks actually like rain (Echo, May 21) is surely to be applauded.

This research may, of course, partly answer the questions raised by one MP buying a “floating duck island” and another having his moat cleaned – both, naturally, originally charged on the public purse. While neither can possibly have an effect on the provision of the rain so necessary for ducks’ wellbeing, they go some way to providing for such welfare.

Now that the vexed question of the duck’s preference for water has been finally put to rest, perhaps we shall see further vital research by Defra – perhaps why trees tend to grow in woods – although others, I am sure, would command equal consideration.

Ian J Walker, Hurworth Place, near Darlington.