HC Deb 22 January 1969 vol 776 cc127-8W
67. Mr. Tilney

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what help he has given to farmers who suffered damage exceeding £6,000 when the River Dee aqueduct carrying water to Liverpool was blown up by saboteurs at Hapsford in Cheshire on 28th June, 1968.

Mr. K. Robinson

None. My right hon. Friend has no power to do so, nor is there any general legislative principle that the taxpayer should make good losses to property caused by crimes.

Mr. Tilney

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, since Her Majesty's Government are prepared to help farmers who suffer loss from flood due to abnormal weather conditions, he will introduce legislation to enable him to compensate those who suffer loss by the action of extremists and saboteurs.

Mr. K. Robinson

I would refer the hon. Member to my Answer to his Oral Question today. I would add that farmers do not in fact receive Exchequer payments to make good losses caused by the weather.