§ 40. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to make any statement concerning the recent floods at Fishlake and Bentley, near Doncaster; how many people have been rendered homeless; what accommodation has been provided for them; and what steps have been taken to relieve the local authority of the extraordinary burdens resulting from these periodic floods?
Sir H. YOUNGI understand from a report received to-day that flood- 356 ing at Bentley has been serious, and that about 2,500 persons will evacuate their homes to-day. Many will go to friends. The local authority, with the co-operation of the county council, are making arangements for the accommodation of the others. I have not yet received a detailed report as to Fishlake, but my present information is that no persons have been rendered homeless. As regards the last part of the question, I understand that the various land drainage authorities are considering remedial measures with a view to the prevention of similar floods in future.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSSeeing that this district has been afflicted twice within seven months, and that on each occasion more than 600 people have been rendered homeless, and it has been necessary to start a fund for their relief, is the right hon. Gentleman's Department in a position to assist this very sorely pressed local authority in these trying times?
Sir H. YOUNGI am not sure whether my hon. Friend means giving them financial assistance, and I should want notice as to the possibility of doing anything in that direction before answering. As regards such assistance as can be given by administration, officers of my Department are on the spot now, and rendering every possible assistance they can to the persons concerned and to the local authorities.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the Department of the right hon. Gentleman co-operate with the Minister of Agriculture with the object of influencing local authorities and those responsible for the Ouse Catchment Board to put in hand such work as is necessary in order to obviate a repetition of this flooding?
Sir H. YOUNGYes, Sir, undoubtedly the Ministry of Health will co-operate with the Ministry of Agriculture. My right hon. Friend and I have been conferring personally in order to discover what useful means can be taken to prevent such a state of affairs in future.