§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that the machinery of co-operation between regional water authorities, local authorities and voluntary agencies in coping with emergencies such as affected Christchurch during the recent severe floods; and if he will make a statement on the lessons learnt from these floods.
§ Mr. FoxThe task of coping with such emergencies is one which the local authorities undertake. As I said on 28 December, I have been impressed by the way in which local services have dealt with the consequences of the recent flooding. I am sure that they will apply any lessons which they have learnt and see no need to offer general advice. I shall reply soon to the letter from my hon. Friend about particular problems in Christchurch.