§ 69. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make a statement as to the general effect of the high January tides upon the parts of the 178W coast which were flooded in January, 1953, and in particular as to the effectiveness of the defence work done during the past year.
§ Sir T. DugdaleOn the night of 3rd January, a surge in the North Sea raised high tides to some 3 feet above the predicted level. These tides were accompanied by high winds and waves and subjected the new defences on the East Coast to their most severe test so far. Although there was minor damage in a number of places, there was no serious threat of flooding anywhere. South of Aldeburgh, there was some loss of shingle but minor flooding that occurred in the town itself was caused by heavy spray and not by any failure of the defences. While the weather did not compare with the abnormal conditions at the end of January last year, river boards can derive some satisfaction from the way in which the extensive works done since the floods stood up to their first serious test.