13. Sir G. Harvie Wattasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he expects to come to a decision on the Report of the Technical Panel set up to consider certain matters with regard to the River Thames arising out of the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Coastal Flooding.
§ Mr. SandysI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Essex South-East (Mr. Braine) on 6th December, of which I am sending him a copy.
Sir G. Harvie WattWould my right hon. Friend indicate when he is likely to introduce legislation to implement the recommendations of the Departmental Committee so far as they relate to flood prevention on the River Thames?
§ Mr. SandysThere is a lot to be done before we can introduce legislation on this point. There is a major issue to be settled; that is, what is the best method of preventing flooding in the tidal reaches of the river? One method is to increase the height of the river walls and the other is to build a structure across the estuary. Those alternatives are at present being examined by experts, but it is quite a difficult problem.
Sir G. Harvie WattIs my right hon. Friend aware that three years have passed since this flooding took place, and that the Thames-side boroughs are in no better position to cope with it, because they require statutory authority? Is he aware that this matter is urgent?
§ Mr. SandysI am not unaware of the importance of this question.