§ Flight-Lieutenant Parkinasked the Minister of Agriculture what plans are in existence for improving the flood-banks of the Severn above Gloucester; and what priority is to he given to their implementation.
§ Mr. T. Williams:The Severn Catchment Board have a scheme in preparation which will provide for the dredging of the Severn for a considerable distance above Maisemore Bridge and include the setting back of flood banks to provide for containing the river within its banks in flood time. This scheme can only be carried out after completion of negotiations with the Severn Commissioners in connection with their scheme for navigation improvement. Meanwhile the Catchment Board is not reconstructing. existing flood banks on their present site.
May I take this opportunity of correcting an impression conveyed in my reply of 28th March to my hon. Friend that the Catchment Board are permanently retaining an area on both sides of the river above Gloucester for a flood reservoir? The object of the above proposals for river improvement will be to contain the Hood waters within the river channel as is the case below Gloucester.