§ MR. PEELasked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether his attention has been called to the great damage done by recent floods, to the serious jeopardy, for instance, in which the whole tract of country between Wisbech and Lynn has been placed, and, generally, to the state of the rivers in many counties; and, whether he is able to give any assurance that the Government will next Session re-introduce and press forward a Rivers Conservancy Bill?
§ SIR ARTHUR OTWAYasked if the attention of the right hon. Gentleman had been called to a letter from Mr. Roche Smith in reference to the condition of the town of Strood, which was constantly overflowed by the River Medway, causing not only great damage to property, but much sickness in the town?
§ MR. DODSONMy attention has been called to the disastrous effects of the inundations in the tract of country between Wisbech and Lynn, and I am 1548 also aware of the mischief done by the recent floods throughout the country, including the case of Strood. I still continue desirous to enable the inhabitants of river basins to take measures to protect themselves against such evils by means of powers conferred on them by Act of Parliament; and I cannot now undertake, in regard to this, any more than to any other subject, to give any assurance on the part of the Government as to the course they will be able to take with regard to a Bill next Session.