HC Deb 17 March 1937 vol 321 cc2070-2
Mr. de Rothschild

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries whether he can make any statement with regard to the floods in the Fen area?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

These floods have been engaging my anxious attention during the past few days. In order to be in the closest touch with the position from day to day, I instructed the Ministry's Chief Drainage Engineer to proceed to the area last Sunday night, and I have had daily reports from him on the situation. According to a telephone message received at 11.30 this morning, I regret to say that the position is still critical, although there was a slight fall in the water level in what is known as the South Level area in the course of last night. The whole position, however, is being closely watched both by the Great Ouse Catchment Board and all the other lesser drainage boards concerned, and all the necessary remedial measures are being taken to prevent a breach in any essential bank.

Mr. de Rothschild

While thanking the Minister for his answer, may I ask him what steps he has taken to see that all the necessary materials, labour and transport are available to the officers of the catchment board who are at the present time engaged in this work?

Mr. Morrison

All assistance that can be given is being given. I should like to add that the efforts made both by the authorities and by the inhabitants of this region, in the face of great difficulties, deserve admiration.

Mr. de Rothschild

Is the Minister aware that a great deal of voluntary work has been forthcoming from Cambridge University? May I also ask him whether he has made any arrangements for men and transport to be available from Mildenhall Aerodrome and other sources, if any need should arise for further help; whether he can assure the House that all steps are being taken to make it certain that there will be no more difficulties such as occurred last night, when a call was broadcast to all pumping stations to stop pumping within certain hours, on account of the grave danger, and when it was further broadcast that in case the message did not reach the pumping station people in the neighbourhood should carry the message to the pumping stations; and whether it is not very important that some communication should be established between the central authority and these pumping stations on this vital matter?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware that voluntary effort has been forthcoming in very generous degree, both from Cambridge University and from other sections of the population. The detailed arrangements necessary for combating these exceptional circumstances are a matter for the local authorities concerned, and in so far as I can assist them I will certainly do so. I am satisfied that every step that the circumstances render possible is being taken at the present time to combat this grave situation.

Captain Briscoe

Is there any fund at the Minister's disposal to avert a major disaster, and is he quite sure that no necessary action is prevented locally owing to lack of funds?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir. I think that is true, but I do not think that money, at this particular moment, could do very much more to aid the situation. I may say that we have always regarded this area as an exceptional one and the grants made by the Ministry to the catchment board have been correspondingly generous; 75 per cent. in the case of the last two schemes put forward. I am able to say that any other scheme put forward by the catchment board which has been approved will receive the same generous contribution from national resources.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

In view of the grave importance of this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the suggestion that he should approach the War Office to obtain the assistance of some members of the Royal Engineers to hold themselves in readiness to give their services in this district?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I will gladly look into the suggestion, and if it is of value I will adopt it.

Captain Heilgers

In view of the fact that Mildenhall Aerodrome is almost immediately adjacent to these floods will the Minister consider using not only transport, as suggested by the hon. Member for the Isle of Ely (Mr. de Rothschild), but personnel?

Mr. Morrison

If that suggestion will help, I will certainly do so, but I am not aware that there is any lack of personnel available, due to the generous response made by the inhabitants and other people.