HC Deb 07 March 1967 vol 742 cc262-3W
Mr. Monro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assistance he will give to local authorities, industry, farmers and householders in Dumfriesshire following the serious flooding by river and sea on 27th and 28th February.

Mr. Brewis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when he or a Minister from the Scottish Office will visit the flood damage in Dumfries and Galloway;

(2) what assistance will be made available to assist victims of flooding in Dumfries and Galloway whose land, houses and property have been damaged or ruined by flooding;

(3) whether similar assistance will be made available for Dumfries and Galloway as a result of the recent flood disaster as was given in the Highlands; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Ross

As the hon. Members will be aware, I made a point of inspecting flood damage when I was in the Dumfries area on 3rd March, and I then received firsthand reports about all the areas where flooding took place.

I have every sympathy with those who have suffered loss. The damage to flood banks was not, however, comparable to the damage that took place recently in Inverness-shire and Ross and Cromarty, and I cannot promise that special financial assistance from the Government will be available. Nevertheless various forms of remedial works may qualify for Government grant under the appropriate Acts. I have already received several applications for assistance under the Agriculture Act, 1937 and in some cases provisional approval has been given for works attracting grant.