§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that periodical flooding of the Chigwell highway takes place and that it is then dangerous and impassable; whether at any time police have been stationed on the Chigwell Road to warn persons and drivers of the danger; whether the authorities concerned have done anything in the matter; and, if not, will he instruct them to carry out the work necessary to prevent flooding and safeguard the health of residents in the Woodford district?
§ Mr. NEALI have been asked to answer this question. I have made inquiries into the matter, and I understand that a portion of the main road referred to does occasionally get flooded for a length of 50 to 60 yards, and that in very wet weather the water extends for a considerably greater distance. I am informed that no floods have occurred during the last twelve months, but that the road was twice flooded in the early part of 1919. When the road is flooded the Woodford Urban District Council have men on duty to warn and divert traffic and also supply carts and horses to convey pedestrians. A portable elevated timber footpath is also now available. I am afraid that in order entirely to prevent the flooding it would be necessary to raise the level of the road for a considerable length and to reconstruct the bridge, obviously at great cost.