HC Deb 21 March 1923 vol 161 cc2561-2
68. Major KELLEY

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the recurrence of floods in the urban and mining areas of the Don Valley; whether any concerted action has been proposed by the drainage authorities and local authorities concerned; and whether any Government funds are available for a grant for such a purpose?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Robert Sanders)

I have been asked to reply. The Ministry has been aware for some time of the flooding in the particular area to which my hon. Friend refers, and has, on more than one occasion, attempted to constitute, under the Land Drainage Act, 1918, a comprehensive authority which would have the necessary legal powers for dealing with the situation. These attempts, however, have not been successful, but I understand that the West Riding County Council are promoting a Drainage Bill, one of the main objects of which will be to effect an improvement in this area. In reply to the last part of the question, no Government funds are available for the purpose which my hon. Friend has in view.