HC Deb 02 June 1932 vol 266 cc1311-3
28. Mr. SOPER

asked the Minister of Health if he has now received the inspector's report of the flooded area in Barnsley; and what remedial measures are contemplated to prevent further distress in this area?

Sir H. YOUNG

I have received a report from the inspectors of the Ministry of Health who have been upon the spot for the assistance of the local authorities. It appears that 163 council houses and a few other houses were affected by the floods. As regards preventative measures for the future, the town council have instructed their engineer to prepare a local scheme of flood prevention. The question of more comprehensive measures is being considered by the catchment board. As regards remedial measures for the present, the occupants concerned both here and elsewhere have suffered it is to be feared inconvenience and damage. The houses were inundated for 11 hours; but the houses have by now been largely cleansed and reoccupied again. The local authority are taking all other necessary measures for the relief of distress.

31. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Health what steps the sanitary and health authorities are taking in the Don-caster area to avoid the danger of swamp fever spreading when the floods subside; and whether his Department will undertake to bear any portion of the financial responsibility involved in these measures?

Sir H. YOUNG

I understand from the reports of my Inspectors who, since the floods began, have been and still are upon the spot for the assistance (inter alia) of the local authorities, that the local medical officers of health have been actively engaged in inquiries into the possibility of danger to health, with special reference to the question of pollution of the water supplies and such dangers as those referred to in. the question. The resources of my Department are immediately available for their assistance, advice and support as may be required; but there are no funds at my disposal for the purpose suggested in the last part of the question.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that those sorely distressed districts, which have suffered twice from this epidemic within seven months, cannot be assisted in any way by the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

Sir H. YOUNG

For the purposes of relief, they have, of course, behind them the whole of the rates of the county area concerned, but my Department has no funds available for the purpose.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Do we understand from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that any sums involved in caring for the health of the local population can be spread over the whole county; and will they in any way get a grant from the Government towards it?

Sir H. YOUNG

As regards the spreading, the hon. Gentleman knows that he has asked a very technical question. Subject to confirmation, they have behind them the whole of the rates of the area, but there is no central fund which is available for the purpose.