§ 1. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what progress has been made in the preparation of a report on the practicability, design and estimate, cost of constructing a movable flood barrier for the purpose of preventing flooding in the Thames Valley.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. J. R. Bevins)The amount of work involved on this proposal has exceeded expectations and my right hon. Friend has not yet received the report of the consulting engineers. They are, however, fully aware of the importance of completing their tests and reporting as soon as possible.
§ Mr. DoddsWhilst thanking the hon. Gentleman for that information, may I ask whether he will bear in mind that we were promised a report by the end of 1957? In view of the disastrous floods in 1953, the fact that they may recur, and the fact that the Waverley Committee's Report suggested that there should be a barrier near Dartford and many people feel that there is not on the part of the Ministry the sense of urgency that this important matter demands, will the hon. Gentleman give a more definite assurance about the time when we can expect the report?
§ Mr. BevinsThe position is that the two firms of consulting engineers wish to carry out further tests before they decide the best method of operating a barrier. I cannot say when the report will be ready but when it is received I assure the hon. Member that it will be studied with urgency by my right hon. Friend.