HC Deb 19 November 1963 vol 684 cc789-90
17. Mr. Elwyn Jones

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he expects to announce a decision regarding the construction of a flood barrier across the River Thames.

Mr. Corfield

It will not be possible to reach a final decision until the consulting engineers have completed their current investigations. The report is expected early in the new year.

Mr. Jones

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the deep anxiety in the Thames area, particularly today, about the risk of flooding, with all the damage and destruction that that would cause? Is he further aware that last March his Ministry told the West Ham Council that consulting engineers were working on the effect of a flood barrier on river conditions and that arrangements would be made to consult die interested authorities about finance and administration, but that not a word further has been heardin the last seven months? Is this another illustration of the Government waiting for election year before doing something long overdue?

Mr. Corfield

I am sure that the hon. and learned Member would not wish to push any Government into a hasty decision ona matter of such very great technical difficulty. If we are to spend this sum of money, it is clear that we should make proper investigations. As I understand it, the only thing which has held up the consulting engineers' report is the requirement, which has raised technical difficulties, that there should be a minimum opening of 1,400 feet. However, I assure the hon. and learned Member that as soon as the report is to hand there will be the further consultations promised.

Mr. Jones

Is it not the case that these inquiries have been going on for three and a half years, since the last time the Thames overflowed its banks? Is not this delay quite intolerable, and is the Minister aware that he will be called upon to answer for it?

Mr. Corfield

We should get the facts right. The steering committee was set up in July, 1961, and reported in April, 1962. It was on its recommendation that the consulting engineers were called in and asked to report.