§ 75. Mr. M. Webbasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will arrange for a full technical investigation of the recent floods, with a view to measures being taken to improve existing drainage systems and flood control, so as to avoid a repetition of the recent damage and loss.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsWhere flooding is due to the overflowing of rivers, catchment boards and other drainage authorities are generally the responsible bodies. Where it is due to the temporary overloading of arrangements for the disposal through sewers of storm water, responsibility rests with the local sanitary authority. These bodies are served by competent technical staff, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and I see no reason for a national inquiry to supplement the local investigations these bodies will undoubtedly be making in areas where flooding has occurred.
§ 82. Mr. McAdamasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will cause a Government inquiry to be conducted into the recent disastrous flooding of a large area of the city of Salford; such an inquiry to include when the river Irwell was last dredged and when the banks of the river, particularly those adjacent to the residential parts of the flooded area, were last examined and repaired; and what assistance the Government is prepared to extend to the city council of Salford in meeting the estimated damage of £500,000 caused by the flooding.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAs stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Central114W Bradford (Mr. M. Webb), I see no justification for a special inquiry cither generally or in any particular case into the causes of the flooding which followed the exceptionally heavy rainfall at the latter end of September. As regards compensation for damage, I am advised that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health has no funds at his disposal which can be made available locally for the purposes of relief.