§ 61. Mr. T. GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the representations sent to him from Garndiffaeth, Abersychan, and other parts of Monmouthshire, asking for financial assistance to relieve the distress and suffering caused by the recent floods; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. GREENWOODAbersychan Urban District Council and one other authority applied to me for sanction to contribute from their rate funds towards relief of local distress arising from this 616 cause, I acceded to their applications. There are no Exchequer funds available for this purpose. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Minister of Transport has informed the county council that he is prepared to consider applications for grants from the Road Fund towards the cost of approved schemes for remedying damage to roads.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSIs the Minister aware that the question has nothing to do with roads; that we ask for financial assistance for the loss of furniture, wearing apparel, loss of food, and other things; that this is a necessitous area, and the local authorities are bankrupt; and will he reconsider his decision and try to do something, and make it a national charge?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI have already pointed out that the local authorities have been empowered to give relief and that, under the existing law, I have no means of providing special assistance.
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman state the total amount of the losses?