§ Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether any decision has been reached with regard to the defence of London and Lower Thamesside against the risk of tidal flooding; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Greenwood:In the statement which I made in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Barking (Mr. Driberg) on 20th January last, I said that the Government were determined that London and Lower Thamesside must be defended against tidal floods and that, as soon as the necessary studies had been completed, they and the responsible authorities would decide as a matter of urgency on the nature and siting of the defences required.
In the light of the Greater London Council's report and of all other information available at the present time, the Government have today asked the Greater London Council to proceed with the studies necessary to enable them to recommend a precise site for a drop-gate barrier between Woolwich Reach and Blackwall Reach. As soon as a site has been approved, the design of the barrier itself will be commenced.
399WThe G.L.C. has also been asked to undertake, in association with the London Transport Board, a study of the need for and possibility of interim measures in the period before the barrier is complete. The policy committee under the chairmanship of my noble Friend Lord Kennet will continue to supervise all these studies.
The Government are today inviting the Greater London Council and the Kent and Essex River Authorities to discuss the manner in which progress towards the construction of the barrier and related works can now be made.