HC Deb 08 November 1960 vol 629 cc812-4
28. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what progress has now been made in the relief of flooded areas; and to what extent Government assistance has so far been necessary.

Mr. H. Brooke

The floods have been widespread and in some areas repeated; and progress with the work of rehabilitation is necessary at various stages. Assistance by Government agencies, civil and military, has been given from the outset. The extent to which special financial assistance may eventually prove necessary cannot yet be determined; none has been required so far, in getting on with the immediate tasks.

Mr. Driberg

Since that Answer is clearly and necessarily inconclusive, can we take it that the Minister has not closed his mind to the possibility that it may be necessary to treat this on a national basis? Does he recall that, after the East Coast floods of 1953, the then Prime Minister said that this catastrophe would have to be … treated upon a national basis and, broadly, as a national responsibility …"—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 2nd February, 1953; Vol. 510, c. 1481.] even though the Government subsequently ran away from that pledge? Will he try to do better this time?

Mr. Brooke

The Government certainly never ran away from that pledge but, as I said in reply to a previous Question, I have nothing at present to add to my previous statement. My present concern is to make sure that anyone who has suffered or who is suffering from the floods receives immediate assistance, if required, and that duty the Government are fulfilling.

Mr. Lipton

Having repeated the words "at present" once again today, will the Minister now clearly confirm that there is still a possibility of Government financial action being taken?

Mr. Brooke

Extremely effective Government action has already been taken, and everybody throughout the country where floods have occurred knows that the Government are ready to help with money.

32. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what applications he has had from local authorities in the west country for financial help, arising out of the recent serious floods.

Mr. H. Brooke

Before my statement in the House on Wednesday last, two local authorities in the west country had informed me that they thought they would need help, although it is not yet possible to assess the amount that may be needed.

Mr. Hayman

Is the Minister aware that several times today he has said that the Government have made arrangements for the immediate needs of the thousands of flood victims to be dealt with? Is he not also aware that there are literally thousands of people with few financial resources who are wondering about the long-term effects, and many of them have suffered severely? Will not he make some speedy statement about a national fund or a gift, even if, as with farm subsidies, there is no upper limit to the amount which can be given in a financial year?

Mr. Brooke

The Question that I was asked related to local authorities, and my Department is already in touch with some local authorities about the financial position as it affects them. The hon. Member is now asking about individuals and, as I said, I have nothing at present to add to the statements I made, which in my view should have reassured everybody that the Government were prepared to stand behind local funds which proved insufficient for their purpose.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that help will be forthcoming to local authorities and local river boards, if necessary, to repair damage which has been done to upper water courses in order to prevent further serious flooding if more rain comes?

Mr. Brooke

Questions about the river boards should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. So far as the local authorities are concerned, I can certainly say that we will take their excess expenditure into account.

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