§ Mr. Brewisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is his estimate of the damage caused by the gale in Scotland on 14th January;
(2) what assistance will be given to Glasgow and other local authorities in the areas affected by the gale of 14th January.
§ Mr. Ross:The damage caused by the gale, aggravated by continuing heavy rain, has been so severe and widespread that I cannot yet make a reliable estimate of it for the country as a whole. Local authorities are, however, urgently pursuing the task of assessment.
My Department has supplied beds, bedding and temporary roofing material from emergency stocks to a number of authorities and has posted liaison staff to the areas most seriously affected, including Glagow.
In the visits which my hon. Friend the Minister of State, my noble Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State and I have paid to some of the most affected 660W areas, we have undertaken to deal urgently and sympathetically with local authorities' further requests, as they identify what more assistance they need.