HC Deb 19 November 1959 vol 613 cc1326-7
25. Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions he has had with the Welland River Board on the need to control that river and, in particular, to prevent a recurrence of the flooding of the centre of Market Harborough; and if he will make a statement.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. J. B. Godber)

My Ministry is in close touch with the Welland River Board, which has, I understand, just completed a survey of the area concerned at Market Harborough and is now working on schemes for the alleviation of flooding.

Mr. Farr

Is the Minister aware that the centre of Market Harborough has been flooded on no fewer than twenty-nine occasions since 1927, that the last two inundations were the worst, and that urgent action is considered necessary to protect householders, hoteliers and shop keepers against this almost annual flooding?

Mr. Godber

I am aware of the special difficulties in this case, but of course the responsibility is that of the river board. We are willing to help in any way we can, but the initiation of any scheme must rest with the board.