§ 92. Sir D. Rentonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the cost of the flooding of Alconbury and Alconbury Weston in recent floods; what prevented the large amount of water from flowing down the Alconbury Brook into the River Great Ouse; when the sluice gates were opened down-stream from Huntingdon in the main river; what compensation will be paid to people 97W in those villages who suffered damage from flooding; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HoyThere was no known obstruction in Alconbury Brook and flooding occurred because the channel capacity was insufficient to cope with the exceptionally heavy rainfall of 10th-11th July. I understand that the sluice gates on the Great Ouse were opened immediately this became necessary.
A tentative estimate of the damage to private property is about £10,000. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government has already stated that the Government will contribute generously tobona fide local flood relief funds as soon as the extent of the need has been determined.