§ Mr. AllasonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide financial assistance to Torbay borough council under the Bellwin scheme for the costs incurred in dealing with exceptional storms in January 1996. [41218]
§ Mr. CurryI am satisfied that financial assistance under the Bellwin scheme is justified given the exceptional nature of the storms between 20 and 24 January 1996. A scheme will, therefore, be established under section 155 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Grant will be paid to cover 85 per cent. of eligible costs which are above a threshold, and which have been incurred by Torbay borough council in dealing with the aftermath of those storms.