§ 4.3 p.m.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, the following statement is now being made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in another place:
His Majesty's Government fully realize, and deeply deplore, the heavy losses caused by the floods to great numbers of individuals and also to local authorities. They are now considering, as a most urgent matter, how they can best help to relieve agricultural and other losses, and also the emergency expenditure of public authorities within their areas. A further statement on this subject will be made next week. Meanwhile the Lord Mayor of London is opening a fund for the relief of distress throughout the United Kingdom, and I have informed him that His Majesty's Government will give a lead to other subscribers by contribution forthwith £1,000,000 to this fund. It must be the aim of us all in face of this latest trial to do our utmost to help our fellow citizens and to make good all damage as son as we can.