HC Deb 25 February 1954 vol 524 cc557-8
28. Mr. Royle

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the flooding of the River Irwell in Salford in January last; in view of the fact that similar events occurred in 1946, what steps have been taken in the interim period to eliminate the danger; and what steps it is now proposed to take.

4. Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the danger of flooding of the River Irwell in Salford at the present time; and what steps have been taken to deal with the impending danger and prevent a similar occurrence to the one in 1946.

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, Sir. I am aware of this danger, but I am advised that there is no speedy way of providing against such a flood as occurred at Salford in 1946. Progress is being made with the long-term scheme of the Mersey River Board, which should ultimately give much better protection to the town against flooding. Meanwhile, the river board have instituted a warning system which gives six hours or more notice of flood conditions.

Mr. Royle

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the citizens of Salfqrd are getting fed up about "ultimate decisions "? Is it not a complete disgrace that this delay has occurred in the way it has? Cannot the Government consider the question of national responsibility for inland flooding in the way they take responsibility for coastal flooding? I have one other question, if I may put it very briefly. Would the Minister personally receive a deputation on this matter from my constituency and from the whole of the city of Salford in the near future?

Sir T. Dugdale

I do not accept that the river board has done badly. In point of fact, it has an enormous scheme in train for spending over £50,000 a year, which it will continue to do, on this problem. Ultimately the scheme will cost upwards of £2 million. It is not possible to go into the details of it now, but I will certainly talk to the hon. Gentleman about it if he cares to come and see me. The river board is making very great progress, but nothing it can do will insure the town of Salford against flooding if there is abnormal rainfall.