§ 69. Sir D. Walker-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is aware that the telegram from his Department addressed to, inter alios, the Hertfordshire County Council in regard to the recovery of cost of assistance in flood relief work had an inhibiting effect upon those engaged in such work at a critical time; and whether he will ensure that no charge falls upon local authorities for such help and services.
97W
§ Mr. BoydenI am aware of one local authority in the right hon. and learned Member's constituency which was concerned over the possible size of the bill. I have no evidence however, that the arrangements for paying for assistance had any general inhibiting effect on local authorities. On the contrary several authorities have already written expressing their gratitude for our assistance.