§ 8. Mr. Deerasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the hardship caused by the recent flooding in Lincoln; and whether he will arrange for financial assistance through the local authority to alleviate the distress caused by the flooding.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsI would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Tuesday last.
§ Mr. DeerDoes my hon. Friend realise that however generous the response to the public appeal may be, there is still 1375 a considerable amount of expenditure which the local authorities have incurred on administrative account during the flooding? Can that additional expenditure be met by considering a further assessment of the block grant?
§ Mr. EdwardsI am well aware of that point. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer did promise, in the statement he made on Tuesday this week, to make a further statement next week which, I am sure, will cover the point.
§ 14. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Health what instructions have been given to the local authorities whose areas are affected by the floods; and, in particular, whether he has authorised them to open up emergency hostels and rest centres, to arrange for communal meal services, and for emergency transport.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsThe inspectors of the Ministry are in close touch with Public Assistance authorities whose duty it is to relieve distress. The arrangements made by these authorities include the measures referred to by the hon. Member.