§ 29. Mr. LOGANasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the death, on 22nd June, 1933, of Mr. Horace Sheridan Freeman, of 10, Hand-field Road, Waterloo, who was drowned through a rushing flood in Akenside Street, Litherland; what action, if any, has been taken to deal with this death trap; and is the Minister prepared to hold a public inquiry?
Sir H. YOUNGI have ascertained that the local authorities concerned with the area in question are trying to find a remedy for flooding. I do not think there would be advantage in a public inquiry.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that seven or eight years ago a bay, in trying to escape from a similar flood, lost his life by being electrocuted; that for 12 years, owing to the houses being badly drained, the land has been liable to flooding for two or three months; that houses are immersed to the extent of 12 feet; and that neither Litherland nor Bootle are taking any steps to deal with this matter? Is not an inquiry by the Minister requisite?
Sir H. YOUNGI was not acquainted with some of the older circumstances to which the hon. Member referred. As regards his account of the conditions, I do not recognise them in all respects. The particular flooding in question was at a specially low-lying spot under a railway bridge. I am satisfied that the local authority are pressing their investigations as to the means of avoidance in future.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the Minister aware that most of the councillors there and most of the population of Bootle wish to place the responsibility on some authority, and that up to the moment there has been no placing of responsibility; and, as this is a death trap, does it not call for a public inquiry?
§ Captain BULLOCKIs it not a fact that officials from the Ministry have been sent down to investigate conditions on the spot?
Sir H. YOUNGThe Ministry is taking the usual steps to stimulate action in the matter, and I am satisfied that the local authority are pressing the investigation. In the circumstances, I think that a public inquiry would simply delay action.