§ 31. Miss WILKINSONasked the Minister of Health whether he has yet received the Report of the Middlesbrough Corporation regarding the floods on the Marten Road estate; whether he is aware that householders have suffered severe losses because of the inadequacy of the drainage; and whether he can make any arrangements for some ex gratia compensation to be paid to these people?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have received a report from the council. It shows that losses were suffered by some householders, and that the flooding was due to very exceptional rainfall, combined with a rising tide and a north-east wind. As I previously informed the hon. Member, I have no authority to make any payments.
§ Miss WILKINSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that similar floods happened in 1924, and is he going to take any steps with the Middlesbrough Corporation to increase the outlet from this property, of which the Ministry is joint owner, so as to provide against a similar contingency in future?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Minister of Health has no power to increase the outlet of this particular place, or any other place, but no doubt the council will take it into consideration.
§ Miss WILKINSONI did not suppose that the right hon. Gentleman would increase the outlet. All I asked is whether he cannot take some steps to see that the outlet is increased, because this happened three years ago, and nothing has been done in the meantime.