HC Deb 05 April 1967 vol 744 cc220-1
12. Mr. Monro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the factors he takes into consideration when deciding what financial assistance he will provide for an area subsequent to serious damage by flooding.

Mr. Ross

The decisions which I make in these situations are governed in the first place by my statutory powers. Within the limitations they impose, I take into account the nature and scale of the damage in relation to the area as a whole and to its economy.

Mr. Monro

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the repair of sea banks and roads in south-west Scotland is far beyond the resources of householders and fishermen? Can he give 100 per cent. grants before further damage occurs?

Mr. Ross

I do not think so. I think the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that, quite apart from his part of the world, we have been unable to do this elsewhere. I assure him that there have been other cases where, if we followed his advice, we might have been expected to do this, in Ayrshire and round Glasgow as well, as a result of floods which have occurred.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are no farms in Cathcart but that plenty of distress and damage has been caused by flooding? Can householders also be considered for any form of assistance?

Mr. Ross

I think that the hon. Gentleman should address himself to the rather definitive answer given by, I think, a Home Secretary in the previous Administration, in about 1960, when he made it clear that the Government could not undertake this kind of compensation in respect of householders but that it was a matter of personal insurance.