§ Mr. Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Defence, in view of the heavy rainfall in the 24 hours from 09.00 hours, 4th November, 1966, and serious flooding that occurred in the south-west of England, why no special warnings were relayed to the public by wireless or television.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe Meteorological Office is not responsible for issuing flood warnings, for the reason given in my reply to the hon. Member's Question on 327W 10th November.—[Vol. 735, c. 356.] Research into rainfall forecasting is proceeding, but it is still technically difficult to predict amounts with much accuracy, especially over an area as small as that around Bristol in which the heaviest rain fell on 4th and 5th November. The Office forecast heavy rain for these dates and warned river authorities. Appreciable rain was not recorded at Bristol (Filton) until after 4 p.m. on 4th November. Although it was subsequently heavy at times, the hourly falls varied considerably. By 11 p.m. the total was about 1 in., which is not an exceptional amount. By 6 a.m. on 5th November, another ¾ in. had fallen, and heavy rain continued. The Office then asked the B.B.C. to report in their radio news bulletins on the substantial rainfall which had occurred in the area overnight and the likelihood of its continuance. At that time of day this was considered to be the quickest way of reaching a wide section of the public. I am glad to say that the B.B.C. promptly complied with the Office's request from 6 a.m. onwards.