HC Deb 18 February 1980 vol 979 cc9-11
7. Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is satisfied with his review of flood emergency arrangements with Welsh county councils and whether he will make a statement.

15. Mr. Hudson Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is satisfied with his review of flood emergency arrangements with Welsh county councils.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

The review of flood emergency arrangements is not a Welsh Office review. The county councils whose areas were affected by the floods of 27 and 28 December are conducting reviews, and they have been asked to let my right hon. Friend know the results of these reviews. We have not yet received their reports, but I know that the authorities concerned are examining any deficiencies in the emergency arrangements with a view to ensuring that they work smoothly in future.

Mr. Hooson

When speaking to the county councils about the lessons that they have learnt from the floods experienced after Christmas, will my hon. Friend bear in mind two obvious needs: first, the need for a better early-warning system, and secondly, the need to have emergency supplies available to the voluntary organisations, which moved so swiftly on that occasion?

Mr. Roberts

I am aware that early warnings were not received in some areas. There were difficulties in maintaining telephone communications. In some areas there were difficulties also in interpreting the information provided by the water authorities. The position is being reviewed by the authorities concerned, to avoid similar problems in future.

I wish to add my tribute to the work of the voluntary organisations.

Mr. Ioan Evans

Is the Minister aware that there is dissatisfaction over the lack of immediate financial aid from the Government? Although there is the agree- ment to give the product of the 1p rate, the need is immediate. Local authorities had to appeal for EEC funds. If we are giving £1,000 million to Europe, why cannot we establish a fund to meet the immediate needs of those who lost their possessions in the floods?

Mr. Roberts

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman is aware of the aid that is available. Local authorities can give aid, and the Government will meet it above the cost of a 1p rate. What is under the 1p rate might rank for rate support grant. Moneys properly given by local authorities in individual aid can qualify for rate support grant also.

Mr. John

Does the Minister accept that the inhabitants of the areas stricken by the floods would trade all the early-warning systems in the world for an assurance that preventive action will be taken by the Welsh water authority to prevent such floods from happening again?

Mr. Roberts

The Welsh water authority intends to review the whole of its system, including the warnings given to the police and the local authorities, and the problems of maintaining communications. It intends to hold regular exercises with the police and the local authorities to ensure that those involved are aware of the local plans and of their responsibilities within those plans.

Mr. Geraint Howells

Has the Secretary of State received any representations from the National Farmers Union in Wales and the Farmers Union of Wales about the losses sustained in the floods?

Mr. Roberts

I am not aware that my right hon. Friend has received any representations from the farmers unions. We are well aware that many farmers sustained substantial losses.

Mr. Alec Jones

Is the Minister aware that while it is true that many parts of Wales affected by the recent flooding did not receive adequate warning, the Government cannot say that it is entirely a matter for county councils? Apart from the emergency measures that are necessary, many of the preventive measures are the responsibility not only of local authorities but of the water authority, the Welsh Development Agency, the nationalised industries and the Forestry Commission, all of whom have a role to play.

Is the Minister aware that the Welsh Office is the one body in Wales which should co-ordinate the activities of all the other bodies?

Mr. Roberts

We are taking a considerable and active interest in the matter. I cannot agree with the right hon. Gentleman about the local authorities, which do a good job. They would rightly resent intervention on our part. They have the powers and the organisation for dealing with emergencies, and, most importantly, they have the manpower and the plant needed. I feel a sense of personal concern for those who suffered, but that does not mean that we need to take over the role of the local authorities.