§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals have been made to him to overcome the flooding of houses in Kenworth Valley, Bideford, North Devon.
§ Mr. HoyThis Department gave approval in principle in August, 1966, to a scheme estimated to cost £55,000 prepared by Devon River Authority on behalf of Bideford Borough Council.
§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many times have houses been flooded in the Kenworth Valley area of Bideford; and what assistance he is giving to reduce the damage to property.
§ Mr. HoyFlooding has occurred 12 times since 1931. Loan sanction was given in 1963 for the purchase of pumps to give temporary relief. The council has received approval in principle of its major flood alleviation scheme. My right hon. Friend will consider formal approval for grant-aid when the Council have received tenders for the works contract.
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§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what information he has received regarding the danger to the health of the residents of Kenworth Valley, Bideford, due to the flooding of property in this area.
§ Mr. HoyNo evidence has been submitted to my right hon. Friend of danger to health, but the council's proposed main drainage scheme, together with the flood alleviation scheme, is intended to remedy the problems arising from surcharge of sewers.
§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations have been made by Bideford Borough Council to his Department for loan sanction to deal with the problem of flooding in the Kenworth Valley area of Bideford.
§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what date he expects the work necessary to give security from flooding to the residents of the Kenworth Valley area of Bideford to be completed.
§ Mr. HoyI understand that for technical reasons the flood alleviation works and a proposed main drainage scheme must be planned and executed together. The council has informed my right hon. Friend that it is uncertain when it will be in a position to start work.