§ 3. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of recent flooding, due to failure to dredge Littleton Brook, resulting in loss of horticultural production and danger to public health through flooding of sewerage installations and latrines; and whether he will make a 50 per cent. grant to the appropriate authorities for dredging Littleton Brook this summer, thus facilitating River Board responsibility from next autumn.
§ Mr. John MackieI wrote to the hon. Member last week and, as he now knows, a scheme for the improvement of Littleton Brook, designed to alleviate this flooding problem. has been prepared by Worcestershire County Council. My right hon. Friend received the council's proposals last month and hopes to be able to approve them for a 50 per cent. grant shortly.
§ Sir G. NabarroCan the Parliamentary Secretary confirm that that 50 per cent. grant will be of the order of £1,000 and will be subject to the works being completed this year so as to prevent a repetition of the disastrous flooding 404 which caused me to go paddling on Whitsuntide Monday afternoon and of the loss of horticultural production entailed?
§ Mr. MackieI am sorry about the hon. Gentleman's Whitsuntide afternoon. The estimated cost is over £2,700; 50 per cent. of that will be £1,350.