§ 17. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what progress has been made in the consultations with respect to the suggested Thames flood barrage.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Sir Keith Joseph)My right hon. Friend recently asked the local authorities and other statutory bodies most directly concerned for their views on certain aspects of the Thames flood barrier project. He hopes to have these very shortly.
§ Mr. DoddsWhile thanking the Parliamentary Secretary for that reply, may I ask if he appreciates that a request was made at the beginning of May? Is he not aware that many people whose homes and lives are in jeopardy when there are serious floods are very worried about the lack of a sense of urgency in this matter? Is it not disgraceful that, although the Waverley Committee reported and suggested this form of barrier in 1953, we are almost on the threshold of 1961 and it is still a talking point? When is it to come to fruition, if ever?
§ Sir K. JosephThis is a very complex matter. There was a meeting last week of all the interested bodies, the results of which will be reported to my right hon. Friend almost immediately.