HL Deb 26 October 1993 vol 549 cc82-3WA
Viscount Addison

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will confirm that, where flood water has been held upon, or redirected on to farmland to prevent the flooding of dwellings, villages or towns, the occupiers of that land will be compensated for their loss without recourse to law, but by arbitration.

The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Earl Howe)

Members of the public who consider that they have suffered losses as a result of the actions of a flood defence authority should take the matter up with the authority concerned through the usual legal channels. Whether compensation is appropriate will depend on the facts of the case.