§ 23. Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the state of affairs at Ludshott Common and Fullers Vale near Headley, Hampshire, where, owing to the continuous use of the slopes by tracked vehicles, the vegetation has been destroyed and the soil consolidated, so that after heavy rain the water rushes down into the valley causing damage to houses, gardens and roads; and why, after admitting liability for damage and after carrying out works, which have been only partially effective, the War 994 Office now declines to take any further steps to mitigate the damage caused.
§ Mr. ShinwellI am aware of the position in this area. My Department has spent some thousands of pounds in measures to prevent flooding and all claims for compensation for damage to private property caused by flooding have been settled at a cost of little over £100. The Department is negotiating a claim for the reinstatement of Ludshott Common with the National Trust, who are the owners. The risk of flooding is being further reduced by the return of vegetation on the Common.
§ Sir G. JeffreysIs the Secretary of State aware that the surface of these slopes has become practically as hard as asphalt; that vegetable growth is so slow that it is almost imperceptible; that it is very small comfort to persons suffering inconvenience and damage to be told that this loss is not likely to occur as frequently in the future as it has in the past, and will he not reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. ShinwellWe recognise that some inconvenience has been caused to pedestrians in this neighbourhood, but we are doing all that we can to reduce that inconvenience.
§ Sir G. JeffreysIs the Secretary of State aware that inconvenience has been caused not only to pedestrians but to others, that houses have been flooded in certain instances, and that gardens have practically been washed away?
§ Mr. ShinwellThis matter is still under investigation and we are not disposing of it because we have replied to a Parliamentary Question.