§ MR. COOPEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether the Government is prepared to bring in any measure this Session, or to grant the appointment of a Select Committee or a Royal Commission, with the view of making such provisions as will prevent or mitigate the injury to property caused by floods in the valley of the Thames?
§ MR. A. PEELalso asked the right hon. Gentleman When he proposes to cause an inquiry to be made into the subject of inundations and of the better management of rivers and drainage areas, and whether by Committee or by Royal Commission?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSIn reply to my hon. Friend behind me (Mr. Coope) I would state that the Government are not indisposed that there should be an inquiry into the operation of the Acts relating to the Thames Conservancy Board, but the particular form of inquiry could be settled later on with regard to the wider question of the hon. Gentleman opposite. I observe that he has a Notice on the Paper for the purpose of bringing this question before the House, and I think it would be very much better that that Motion should come on and be discussed before the Government state their opinion as to what is the best course to take in the matter.