HC Deb 26 January 1967 vol 739 cc1762-3
25. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what special precautions are being taken in connection with warnings of possible flooding, particularly in the London area, at the times of very high tides on 27th February, 1967, and again on 28th and 29th March, as the possibility of a North sea surge arising out of equinoctial gales on the latter dates must be taken into account.

Mr. Tavern

There are standing arrangements for the issue of flood warnings as recommended by the Departmental Committee on Coastal Flooding in 1953. Flood warnings will be issued on these dates in the areas concerned, including the London area, if the need should arise.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Does the Under-Secretary recall that on 10th December, 1965, there was a very high tide which brought the water to within an inch or two of the top of the Terrace wall of the House of Commons? Does he further recall that on that occasion we were taken completely by surprise, that some parts of London were flooded and that the warnings that were issued were inadequate? As we are reaching the time of year when high tides occur, will he give an assurance that special warnings will be given about these dates?

Mr. Taverne

I assure the hon. Gentleman that special warning will be given about these dates. The system has been revised since the incidents of December, 1965, to which the hon. Gentleman referred, and there is no reason to suppose that the present warning system will be inadequate.

Mr. Wellbeloved

Is my hon. Friend aware that his Department carries a very heavy responsibility for warning the residents of London of the possibility of flooding? Is he aware that the G.L.C. development at Thamesmead, which is in my constituency, places 60,000 more people at risk? Will he undertake to press his colleagues in the Government to pluck up their courage and take a decision on the provision of a Thames flood barrier?

Mr. Taverne

I will certainly pass on my hon. Friend's remarks about a barrier, but to answer his question about giving warning, the warning given to local authorities is now a considerable one. It is a warning of something like five hours, while the warning given to residents is about 2¼ hours. As I said, we consider this to be satisfactory.

Several Hon. Members

rose —

Mr. Speaker

Order. Mr. Gresham Cooke. Question No. 26.

Mr. A. Royle

On a point of order. In view of the fact that my constituency suffers from flooding from the River Thames, may I put a supplementary question?

Mr. Speaker

Many constituencies may so suffer, but we must get on.