§ 38. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has been made by the two firms of consulting engineers appointed by him to prepare a joint report on the practicability, design and cost of constructing a movable flood barrier at a suitable point on the river as a means of preventing flooding in the Thames valley.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Mr. Henry Brooke)I understand that good progress has been made. A great deal of work is involved, but I hope that I may receive the report before the end of the year.
§ Mr. DoddsBearing in mind the tragedy of a few years ago, may I ask the Minister whether he can give an assurance that this matter is really being treated seriously, and that any report will not be pigeonholed but that, instead, an attempt will be made to avert any further tragedy?
§ Mr. BrookeI am certainly looking forward with great interest to seeing the contents of the report.