HC Deb 17 December 1968 vol 775 cc313-4W
30. Mr. Channon

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will now announce the Government's measures to help victims of the flooding in the South-East in September.

36. Mr. Hordern

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what measures he proposes and what assistance he will give to the victims of flood damage in West Sussex in September.

Mr. Greenwood

The Government have decided to contribute £175,000 to flood relief funds set up following the September floods in the South East. This sum will be distributed among the funds in proportion to the assessed claims upon them. Although the Government have contributed on this and on some earlier occasions towards uninsured losses suffered by individuals in all kinds of emergency, they do not accept that they have any continuing liability to do so. It is only prudent to insure property—both buildings and contents—and to include cover for floods as well costs very little extra. The taxpayer is entitled to expect the individual to insure his own property.