HC Deb 24 January 1961 vol 633 cc13-4
20. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what decisions have now been reached in the consultations in respect of the suggested Thames flood barrage designed to avoid a repetition of the disastrous floods of 1953.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Sir Keith Joseph)

These consultations are not yet complete.

Mr. Dodds

When I asked a Question in December, the hon. Gentleman stated that there had been a meeting in the previous week and that he hoped that the Minister would soon be aware of what was then decided. Is he now saying that no decision of any sort was made and that further meetings are to be held, or where are we? How much longer have we to wait for information about progress being made?

Sir K. Joseph

The hon. Gentleman is understandably impatient, but the fact of this complex matter is that there are a number of different interests to be reconciled and there is no commonly agreed solution which at this stage would allow the Government to force the pace

25. Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that the majority of representatives of downstream authorities at a meeting on 1st December expressed themselves as being unable to support the proposal for a Thames flood barrier until more technical information is supplied; and if he will now state what steps he is taking to provide this technical information.

Sir K. Joseph

The answer to the first part is "Yes, Sir". The Command Paper "Technical Possibilities of a Thames Flood Barrier" does suggest further study of certain problems before final decisions are taken. It seems prudent first to ask how far the bodies concerned with the proposal support it in principle, which is being done. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is consulting the two downstream River Boards; other consultations are to follow.

Mr. Irving

While thanking the Minister for his Answer, may I ask him to bear in mind the very real anxiety of some of the downstream authorities and, in particular, the fear that any improvement in the upper reaches of the river above the barrier can be achieved only at the expense of the downstream authorities and so add to their difficulties?