§ 88. Colonel Sir Edward Ruggles-Briseasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the extensive flooding by salt water which has occurred recently along the coast of Essex, in particular in the borough of Maldon and Heybridge, where house property, business premises, and factories were submerged, and also in other parts of the county where considerable areas of land were affected; whether he proposes to hold an inquiry into the circumstances of the flooding; and whether, in view of the urgent need of affording security against further flooding, particularly of house property, he will consider the authorisation of a special grant to the area catchment board so that the necessary work of rebuilding and heightening the sea walls may be proceeded with forthwith?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am aware that flooding has occurred in various parts of Essex as a result of the recent storm, but I do not consider that any special inquiry into the circumstances is called for. 552 The Essex Rivers Catchment Board have approached me on the question of financial assistance towards the cost of the remedial works which they contemplate, and the matter is at present under consideration.