HC Deb 12 March 1953 vol 512 c146W
75. Mr. Odey

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the extent to which the protection of the public against flooding resulting from a failure to maintain river banks now rests only upon what may be done by individual riparian owners, he will consider introducing legislation to make the maintenance of river banks the responsibility of the appropriate river board.

Sir T. Dugdale

No. River boards are already empowered to execute works for the maintenance or improvement of the banks of channels defined as main river. When, in their opinion, damage to banks gives rise to a threat of flooding, they do any necessary works.

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