56. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether flash warnings of rainfall likely to lead to floods were given to the public by radio and television by the Meteorological Office to Yorkshire and the Midlands be fore the recent flooding.
§ Mr. ReynoldsRoutine forecasts, which correctly predicted the persistent rain from 31st October to 2nd November, were supplemented by "Flash" messages. These included two on sound radio for Yorkshire and the Midlands on 2nd November. The Meteorological Office is not responsible for the issue of flood warnings, but, in the areas affected river authorities who are responsible, received rainfall warnings throughout the period from 31st October to 2nd November.