HC Deb 26 January 1948 vol 446 c654
47. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps have been and are being taken to protect the towns of St. Neots, Godmanchester, Huntingdon and St. Ives from a recurrence of the serious flooding from which they suffered in March, 1947.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

The River Great Ouse Catchment Board as the responsible body, are making full investigation, including a survey, to see whether flood levels can be reduced or protection provided for the four towns.

Mr. Renton

Is the Minister aware that the people in the four towns concerned are still anxious about the danger of flooding, and will he reconsider his decision not to receive a representative delegation from those towns to discuss the matter?

Mr. Williams

I appreciate that anxiety still remains, but the Engineer to the Great Ouse Catchment Board has already met representatives of the four towns concerned, and, as it would be the Catchment Board which would have to undertake any work, I do not see the point of my receiving a deputation.