§ 15. Mr. Allaunasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how far the River Irwell flood prevention scheme will be affected by the recent circular 11/56 curtailing loan sanctions or grants for water and sewage disposal.
Mr. AmoryThe Mersey River Board have submitted for grant-aid two further sections of the Irwell flood protection scheme, which are estimated to cost £62,000. These proposals will be allowed to go forward during the coming financial year.
§ Mr. AllaunWhile thanking the Minister for that reply, may I inform him that there will be further and vital sections of the scheme submitted to him for consideration? When examining them, will he bear in mind the misery and ill-health inflicted by the 1954—and particularly the 1946—floods, when the living-rooms of thousand of Salford homes were flooded to a height of 3ft. by this filthy, stinking water, and that many of these homes have been damp ever since?
Mr. AmoryI will certainly bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said. Any further applications will be considered on their merits.
§ Mr. W. R. WilliamsIn the meantime, will the Minister go up there and have a look at the river? I am quite sure that if he had a look at it he would do what my hon. Friend asks.
Mr. AmoryFrom the hon. Gentleman's description it does not sound satisfactory. I will not dissent from what the hon. Gentleman has said.