31. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take to implement the recommendations of the Waverley Committee on Coastal Flooding in so far as they affect his Department.
Mr. AmoryThe two recommendations still outstanding are financial, and further consideration of them must wait 767 until it can be seen how the finances of river boards will be affected by rating revaluation. As to the other recommendations of the Committee, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, South (Mr. J. E. B. Hill) on 23rd June.
Commander MaitlandIn giving further consideration to the report, will the right hon. Gentleman pay particular attention to the importance of making maintenance grants to the river boards for this work? Does he realise that had our sea defences been properly maintained much loss of life might have been prevented as well as a great deal of damage?
Mr. AmoryI agree with my hon. and gallant Friend in the importance which he attaches to making sure that damage does not occur again. I am confident that the arrangements which have been made, the reconstruction which has been carried out, and the future plans of the river boards will provide for that.
§ Mr. Edward EvansWill the Minister give some indication of those areas in the country which are today particularly vulnerable to the same kind of flooding which occurred in the great catastrophe of 1953?
Mr. AmoryI think that the sea defences the whole way along the East Coast are very much stronger now than at that time, but if the hon. Gentleman has any particular area in mind and will put down a Question, I shall be glad to give him any information that I can.