3. Mr.SANDEMANasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the lives lost by the flooding of the River Irk, in the Borough of Middleton, and the consequent damage to property, he will set up a public inquiry into the cause of these fatalities?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have no information with regard to this matter, but I will make some inquiries.
Mr. SANDEMANDo I understand that there is every likelihood of a public inquiry being held into this matter, to 1651 allay the anxiety in this part of the country as to what the situation will be if there is another flood?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe point is that I am not quite certain whether I have power. The powers of the Home Office are many and varied, but I am not sure whether I have power in this matter.
Mr. SANDEMANI have applied to about four Departments, and none of them seem to have any powers. One wants to find out who has.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI believe that is the reason why the hon. Member, as a last resort, has come to me.
§ Mr. KELLYBecause of the anxiety in that part of the country, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will make some inquiry as to whether or not the responsibility does rest with his Department?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSCertainly; I promised my hon. Friend I said that I am making inquiries now.
§ Colonel DAYHow many lives were lost?