§ 22. Mr. Brewisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the amount of damage suffered by flooding in Galloway and Dumfriesshire since the beginning of October, 1961.
§ Mr. MaclayI regret that comprehensive information on which a reliable estimate of the kind desired by my hon. Friend might be based is not available. My Department has, however, received applications for assistance under the Agricultural Drainage Scheme and the Farm Improvement Scheme for works made necessary by flooding which are estimated to cost nearly £33,000.
§ Mr. BrewisIs my right hon. Friend aware that the cost of the damage has reached a considerable figure and that many people have been seriously affected financially? When the Minister of 1304 Housing and Local Government distributes the well-deserved contributions to Sheffield and Cornwall, will my right hon. Friend fight for us so that we in south-west Scotland shall have something too? Will my right hon. Friend see whether the agricultural drainage grants which can be of some help can be extended to some non-agricultural properties, because the coast protection legislation does not seem to be of any assistance at all?
§ Mr. MaclayI will consider the latter part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question. As to the former, I will watch the position carefully and see whether we can justify the payments which he suggests. My hon. Friend will be aware of the statements made about the relief of flood damage in the past. I am watching the position closely.