§ Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the position revealed by recent heavy rains in the area of the headwaters of the Rivers Bade and Exe; and whether he will initiate an immediate inquiry into what operative elements led to the recent disaster.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe Devon Water Board has appointed a consulting engineer to report on the flooding disaster at Lynmouth and a number of his findings, and particularly the meteorological data that he has collected, will doubtless be applicable to the Exmoor area generally. On application from the Devon River Board, I have defined as main river the upper reaches of the rivers Bade and Exe and their tributaries. This will enable the[...]river board to complete the work of clearing debris and other obstructions resulting from the recent floods. The Government is meeting the full cost of this emergency work. The board will also be able to consider what long-term works of improvement may be desirable; and will no doubt make such special inquiries as they find to be necessary.