HC Deb 18 December 1935 vol 307 cc1759-60
91. Mr. SHORT

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the risk of flooding in the Bentley area has not been avoided by the erection of the Thorpe Marsh barrier bank; whether he has considered the resolution passed by the Bentley Urban District Council, on 10th December, urging the Ministry of Health to hasten the execution of the larger scheme for flood prevention decided upon by the Ouse Catchment Board; and, if so, what action does he propose to take?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

As my right hon. Friend stated in his reply to the hon. Member on 12th December, the Thorpe Marsh barrier bank was designed to limit the risk of floods in the Bentley area, and the efficiency of this bank was demonstrated during the recent period of abnormal rainfall. The resolution referred to in the second part of the question was addressed to my right hon. Friend and is receiving his careful attention. As the River Ouse Catchment Board decided on 27th November to accept the Government grant which had been offered in respect of the full scheme for the improvement of the Don and its tributaries, I have every hope that the catchment board will now proceed with the scheme as expeditiously as possible. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that work on the Lower Don has been proceeding since March, 1934.

Mr. SHORT

Have the county borough councils agreed to support the catchment board in the lager scheme, and have they withdrawn their opposition?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

I cannot say that without notice.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the Minister aware that the county borough council are called upon to pay £600,000 out of a total cost of £1,190,000; that they have practically agreed to hold up the scheme as long as they possibly can, and will the hon. Gentleman consult the Minister with a view to meeting the county borough councils and, if need be, slightly increasing the grant so as to get the work expedited?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

I will draw the attention of my hon. Friend to that point.

Mr. PALING

Is the Minister aware that the local authorities are convinced that the present barrier bank scheme will not stop the floods; is he further aware that the bigger scheme is being held up because one contributor refuses to pay and, in view of that, it is not likely that unless he takes power to compel something to be done nothing will be done in the next few years, and Bentley will be flooded again?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

The banks have been tested by the recent abnormal rainfall.

Mr. PALING

The flood is not as bad as it has been recently.