§ 25. Mr. Jesselasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take action, pending construction of the Thames barrier, to improve co-ordination between the Greater London Council, the Thames Water Authority and the Port of London Authority in order to reduce the risk of flooding of properties in the upper tidal reaches of the River Thames such as occurred on Wednesday 29th January.
§ Mr. StrangThe flooding to which the hon. Member refers was due to a combination of a high spring tide, a small North Sea surge, and high flow of fresh water from upstream. I am satisfied that co-ordination between the Greater London Council, the Thames Water Authority and the Port of London Authority in these matters is fully effective.
§ Mr. Jesselasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the expected cost of the Thames flood barrier; and how much will be met from the Exchequer and the Greater London Council, respectively.
§ Mr. StrangThe cost of the Thames flood barrier, at September 1974 prices, is expected to be of the order of £110 million. This excludes the cost of the associated works being undertaken by the GLC and other authorities both upstream and downstream of the structure. Exchequer grant is payable at the rate of 65 per cent. on eligible expenditure; the balance will be found by the GLC.