HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 cc105-7W
Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the damage caused, if he will have an inquiry made into the sudden rise in the waters of the Clyde and its tributaries during the night of 4th–5th December, 1953, and into the desirability of deepening the channel at Threepwood to avert or lessen flooding on future occasions.

Mr. J. Stuart

My information is that flooding took place on 3rd–4th December in certain low lying areas of the Clyde Valley upstream from Motherwell as a result of weather conditions such as have frequently given rise to flooding in the area—several days of moderate rainfall, culminating in a heavy and sustained downpour. I am advised that in order to minimise the danger of flooding, it would be necessary to carry out a comprehensive overhaul of floodbanks and protective works over the whole of the affected area and that deepening of the channel at Threepwood, undertaken as a separate operation, would not contribute materially towards the desired solution.

Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total area of horticultural holdings in the Clyde Valley flooded on 5th December, 1953; the area of each crop which was directly affected by flooding; and the area of glasshouses flooded.

Mr. J. Stuart

A report made by officials of the Department of Agriculture after an inspection of the affected area on 5th and 6th December indicates that about 165 acres of land on horticultural holdings were flooded, including about 100 acres, in rotation grass or used as orchard ground, which were not appreciably affected by the flood. The remaining 65 acres were planted or awaiting planting or sowing. It is estimated that about 7 acres of strawberries, 5 acres of raspberries and 3 acres of glasshouses containing 1acre of lettuce plants and several thousands of bulbs were directly affected.

Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement about the damage done to horticultural crops by the Clyde Valley floods of 5th December, 1953; and what measures of relief will be taken to assist those whose livelihood has been affected.

Mr. J. Stuart

I am advised that the growers concerned hold widely differing views on what effect immersion in flood water will have on their plants and bulbs and that it will not be possible for some time to make a proper estimate of the damage done. I have no funds at my disposal from which damage of this kind can be made good.

Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he will consider the establishment of river gauges to record hydrographic data at several points in the Clyde, seeing that the data recorded by that in the River Nethan, being only a tributary, does not record sufficient data for ascertaining the causes of and possible remedies for flooding of the Clyde;

(2) whether he has given further consideration to the establishment of a Clyde Valley Catchment Board.

Mr. J. Stuart

Consideration is being given to the establishment of river gauges at one or two points on the Clyde but, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, I have to keep in mind the need for similar information on other Scottish rivers and the limited funds available for this purpose. I think it would be premature to consider setting up a Catchment Board, for the reasons given in reply to a similar question by my hon. Friend on 27th October.