§ 5. Mr. A. Royleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the flood warning system for warning residents who live near the River Thames of flood peril failed to operate satisfactorily in Kew on 10th December, 1965; and what steps he is taking to ensure that residents are warned in good time in future.
§ Mr. George ThomasThe issue of flood warnings by the Metropolitan police is based on advice received from the Greater London Council and information from the Storm Tide Warning Service and the Thames Conservancy. The rate of flow of the river at Kew rose exceptionally quickly on 10th December last, and this, I regret to say, led to the flood warning there being later than usual. The arrangements have been reviewed and in future there should be an improvement of 30 minutes in the speed with which warnings will be broadcast at Kew and Richmond.