§ 66. Mr. Hylton-Fosterasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the discomfort and inconvenience caused to many citizens of York by the flooding of the River Ouse; if he will consider with all the authorities concerned what can be done to prevent or reduce the risk of a recurrence; and in particular if he will consult with the Forestry Commission as to the possibility of improving the position by further afforestation.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI am advised by the Yorkshire Ouse River Board, which is the responsible land drainage authority, that the recent flooding in York resulted 57W from an abnormally heavy and continuous rainfall in the two weeks ending 11th November, which caused the river to rise some 14 feet above its normal summer level. My Department will consider with the River Board whether remedial works to alleviate this flooding are practicable. Afforestation on such a scale as would have any significant effect on the run off into the River Ouse and its tributaries would not seem to offer a practical solution.