HC Deb 25 January 1966 vol 723 cc24-5W
Mr. Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what estimate he has made of the damage suffered to property and goods in the town of Llanrwst as a result of flooding during December, 1965;

(2) what action is being taken to ensure that, as a temporary measure to reduce the danger of flooding in the Conway Valley, the bed of the river is dredged and obstructions in its lower reaches near Talycafn are removed;

(3) whether he will order a detailed survey of the Conway Valley in order to ascertain what further work is required to prevent, or reduce the danger of, flooding in the area;

(4) whether he will make available special Government assistance towards the cost of carrying out measures to prevent the recurrence of flooding in the Conway Valley.

Mr. John Mackie

The responsibility for flood alleviation measures in the Conway Valley rests with the Gwynedd River Authority which has almost completed a detailed and comprehensive survey of the problem. While the results of the survey will require careful consideration by the Authority I understand that it is satisfied that temporary measures such as the dredging of the bed of the river or the removal of obstructions in the lower reaches would not be practicable.

The Gwynedd River Authority is eligible to receive the highest rate of grant available under present arrangements for land drainage grants and it would be inappropriate to give special assistance towards the cost of works in the Conway Valley. A scheme for the relief of flooding at Trefriw has been approved and we will, of course, give sympathetic consideration to any application for grant towards the cost of any further works the River Authority wish to undertake.

On the question of flood damage, I understand from my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales, that although no precise figures are available, the damage in Llanrwst resulting from the flooding in December last seems happily to have been slight. Flood warning was given in good time and the flooding took place during daylight.