§ 43. Commander Purseyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the extent of the recent flooding in Hull and the defects which caused the flooding; and what steps are to be taken to prevent further repetitions of flooding of industrial and residential premises.
Mr. VaneI understand from the Hull and East Yorkshire River Board that flooding occurred in the Swan Street and Chapman Street areas by over-topping at wharves on the River Hull, and in the Nile Street and Hessle Road area through a breach in the Railway Dock. I understand also that the City Corporation has in hand a detailed survey of the whole frontage of the River Hull within the City's boundaries and is also taking up the question of the Railway Dock with the British Transport Commission. This flooding was the result of exceptional circumstances.
§ Commander PurseyIs the Minister aware that hundreds of houses are flooded out regularly in Hull? Is it not high time that he took the necessary action to cause owners of defective wharves to build them up and prevent any further flooding.
Mr. VaneIt would be rash for any of us to think that we could plan work which would prevent any further flooding in any conditions. In the City of Hull, the City Corporation has special powers under its Private Act of 1925 and those powers, in addition to the powers of the river board, should be sufficient to meet all ordinary circumstances.