§ 59. Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture what grant his Department proposes to make towards the cost of the 1936 measures necessary to prevent a recurrence of the flooding of the River Irwell that took place in 1946, in view of the fact that the Salford Corporation have been called upon to contribute £23,000, equal to a 6d. rate, towards the cost.
Mr. T. WilliamsI have reconsidered this matter and, in all the circumstances, am prepared to agree, without prejudice to the question of grant on future schemes, that a grant at the rate of 15 per cent. towards the cost of the current scheme should be made to the Rivers Mersey and Irwell Catchment Board.
§ Mr. HardyWill the Minister have another look at this matter and receive a deputation from the Corporation to consider the question with regard to the scheme that is to cost £70,000, with no grant from the Government at all?
Mr. WilliamsI understand that the catchment board have undertaken to make a very large contribution towards it. Therefore, the grant from the catchment board, the grant from the local authority and a Government grant of 15 per cent. will cover the estimated cost of £70,000.
§ Mr. HardyIs that towards the larger scheme costing over £750,000, or the present scheme of £70,000?
Mr. WilliamsThis refers only to the scheme that may prevent flooding of private dwellings and not to the larger scheme.
§ Mr. HardyOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the first opportunity on the Adjournment.