§ Miss WILKINSONasked the Minister of Health whether he has yet received the report on the recent floods in Middlesbrough; whether he is satisfied that these could not have been prevented had the drainage works been started and completed earlier since the last floods in 1928; and whether, in these circumstances, he will sanction the payment of compensation to the householders and shopkeepers who have suffered damage?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINA report from the town council has been received, and I am informed that the flooding was due to exceptional rainfall combined with a rising tide and a north-east gale. The works which are now being carried out, and nearing completion, should prevent future flooding of this kind; there does not appear to have been any avoidable delay in carrying out the works, which presented difficulties. As regards the last part of the question, no application on the subject has been received from the council.