§ 48. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that his decision to limit grant aid to the Essex River Authority's scheme for flood prevention in the Rochford area will now cause difficulties for the local authorities concerned in respect of a start being made on the Rochford by-pass road; and whether he will seek to discuss the matter with the Ministers of Transport and Housing and Local Government.
§ Mr. John MackieIt is for the river authority to decide what action they should take. But at their request, we have recently confirmed that a payment by them of a contribution of £41,000 to the county council towards the cost of joint road and river improvements at Rochford will not prejudice the question286W of grant aid if the authority decide to make this contribution in advance of proceeding with their scheme.