§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will reconsider the levels of assistance given to victims of the Strabane flood disaster; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 27 November 1987]: Considerable assistance has already been given to help alleviate urgent need in Strabane, including £210,000 paid out under the social security system, the distribution of free coal to households, temporary residential accommodation provided by both the voluntary and statutory agencies and replacement of electricity meters free of charge. Each household affected will also be receiving £126 within the next few days through the finance provided by the European Commission. It is not the responsibility of Government to compensate for insurable losses but urgent consideration is now being given to see whether further help could be provided for those in genuine need.