§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why, in connection with the EEC's Disaster Fund, Mid-Devon District Council were only given 75 minutes to state how many properties were damaged during the severe weather conditions of December 1981 and January 1982.
§ The Earl of AvonThe initial approach to Mid-Devon District Council, and other Councils in the South-West, was made on 11th January in order to286WA provide the European Commission with such information as could be assembled quickly on the extent of damage to homes caused by the severe weather. Authorities were asked to respond on the same day. On 9th February, when the Commission had indicated that limited aid would be available from its Disaster Fund, Mid-Devon and the other authorities were again contacted in order to review the preliminary estimates and to ascertain whether they would be prepared to arrange distribution of the aid. In view of the clear wish of the Commission that aid should be distributed quickly, authorities were asked to reply within two days. Mid-Devon were one of the authorities which adjusted their original figures.