§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the flood warning system as it was operated in East Anglia on the evening of 11th January; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangI have been asked to reply.
The effectiveness of the East Coast flood warning system depends upon the accuracy of the forecasts which can be made of expected high water levels. The actual levels reached on parts of the East Anglian coast on the night of 11th January were above those which had been forecast. Subject to this limitation, I am satisfied that the warning service 707W in general worked well, but I am inquiring into those instances where it has been alleged that a public warning was not given in good time.