§ Mr. Bodyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) to what extent the state of disrepair of the floodgates at Battlesbridge was responsible for the damage done by flooding in the Wickford area on and about 27th June;
(2) what representations have been made to the Essex River Board by residents in the Wickford area about the damage done by flooding there on and about 27th June.
§ Mr. John HareI am informed that the Essex River Board received a petition from a number of residents at Wickford about the flooding which followed the abnormally heavy rainfall of 26th June. In reply, the board have said that the flooding was not caused by the condition or operation of the sluice gates at Battles-bridge but it has promised to investigate the cause. I have asked the River Board to write to my hon. Friend setting out the results of its inquiries.