THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether the construction of the new Thames wall between County Hall and Waterloo Bridge will result in any, and if so what, reduction in the width of the river; and, if so, whether they can give an assurance that such reduction is not calculated to increase the danger of flooding.]
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, the surface width of the river between County Hall and Waterloo Bridge will be reduced between 65 and 150 feet, but the reduction in the flow will be by no means in proportion, because the space between the existing bank and the new wall is largely mudflat and is already obstructed by jetties. The answer to the second part of the question is "Yes."