§ Mr. WELLSI beg to move, in page 56, line 19, at the end, to insert the words:
(f) execute any works or operation which would cause or be likely to cause flooding in any borough or otherwise interfere with the due flow of the water in any river in such borough.This is of very great importance to those cities, boroughs and towns on the banks of rivers which have already in-cured expense in executing works for the prevention of flooding. I raised the matter in Committee and the Minister expressed doubt about it and promised 186 to look into it and see what could be done. It is a matter of vital importance that no works should be carried out which would cause flooding in the area of towns. Very great expense has been incurred in constructing and maintaining works to prevent flooding and it would be disastrous if, owing to the Bill, they should be subject to flooding in future.
§ Sir D. NEWTONI beg to second the Amendment.
§ Dr. ADDISONI could not possibly accept the Amendment. When an authority proposes to execute any works, there is a public inquiry, apart entirely from the fact that representatives of the 187 town or borough concerned will most likely be on the catchment area board and all the matters will be gone into. In the case of the Thames we have provided for a considerable period to elapse. You cannot guarantee a town against an act of God and it would not be reasonable to expect a catchment area board to do so. Otherwise all reasonable considerations are taken account of. The Amendment seeks to achieve the impossible and I cannot accept it.
§ Amendment negatived.
§ Amendment made: In page 56, line 35, leave out the second word "of," and insert instead thereof the words" and with respect to."—[Mr. W. R. Smith.]
§ Mr. W. R. SMITHI beg to move, in page 56, line 40, to leave out the words "proprietors of," and to insert instead thereof the words "persons carrying on."
§ Sir B. PETOI should like to thank the Minister for accepting the Amendment. It is very necessary.
§ Amendment agreed to.