§ 1. Mr. J. Howardasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the Hampshire River Board expects to complete the scheme to improve Tanner's Brook over the entire watercourse; and when the last normal maintenance on the watercourse was carried out within the county borough of Southampton.
The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. W. M. F. Vane)I understand that the river board intends to complete the final stage of the comprehensive scheme by 1965. Normal maintenance within the county borough of Southampton is carried out twice yearly, the last occasion being this summer.
§ Mr. HowardIs my hon. Friend aware that serious flooding has taken place this autumn, and will he take steps to safeguard the properties of my constituents in the Millbrook area of Southampton by having a further survey made to see what can be done to remove the surplus water from their gardens and properties?
Mr. VaneAs I expect my hon. Friend knows, the river board does pay attention to the maintenance of this watercourse. The preliminary survey has now been completed for more serious work, and a recorder has been installed to gauge the flow of water. As to the reasons of the recent floods, my hon. Friend may be interested to know that the board reports that amongst the rubbish removed from the bed of the watercourse were a number of iron bedsteads, perambulators, etc., no doubt the property of his constituents.
§ Mr. HowardIn view of the nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.