§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to amend the Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1963, to enable local authorities to compensate persons whose houses have been polluted by sewage discharge or damaged by flooding.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonA number of local authorities have already made use of their powers under Section 6 of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1963 to give financial help to flood victims. But if my hon. Friend is aware of any difficulties no doubt he will let me know.
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he intends to set up a public inquiry 34W to prepare a report on the recent serious floods in South-East England.
§ Mr. GreenwoodI have already put in hand an enquiry into the lessons that can be learned from the recent floods. This will be pursued in consultation with all my right hon. Friends who are concerned, and with the help of local authorities affected. I do not think a public inquiry would serve any useful purpose.