§ 28. Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made in the improvement of flood defences in Market Harborough.
§ Mr. HoyThe Welland River Board has put forward proposals for the protection of Market Harborough from flooding. These present certain problems which require further consideration by engineers.
§ Mr. FarrDuring the Minister's four months or so in office, has his attention been drawn to the fact that Market Harborough has been flooded more frequently in recent years than any other town in the country? Will he try to put a bit of urgency into these plans, and particularly the overflow plan which is now in preparation?
§ Mr. HoyI am grateful to the hon. Member for absolving me from the blame for the years that have gone. I realise the seriousness of the matter and I know that there are certain engineering difficulties which it will take some little time to overcome. I certainly assure the hon. Member, however, that we will do all that is humanly possible to expedite a decision in the matter.