HC Deb 12 December 1969 vol 793 cc187-8W
Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the reasons for the recent serious flooding from the River Humber, within the Hull city boundary; how many wharves over-topped; and what measures are being taken by the Yorkshire Ouse and Hull River Authority and the Hull Corporation to prevent further flooding during the winter high tides.

Mr. John Mackie

The exceptionally high tide of 16.72 ft. above O.D. (Newlyn) on 29th September overtopped some of the walls fronting the River Humber. A length of 200 yards of earthen embankment about one mile upstream of the city was also overtopped by a few inches.

Both Hull Corporation and the Yorkshire Ouse and Hull River Authority consider that the walls and the river banks are not structurally defective and that no immediate useful action could be taken.

Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what additional height the defective and deficient wharves on the River Humber, within the Hull city boundary, are to be raised to prevent further flooding, in view of the fact that the installation of barrage gates at the mouth of the River Hull will not prevent flooding from the River Humber.

Mr. John Mackie

I am assured by Hull Corporation that as part of any proposal to install flood gates on the River Hull it would raise as necessary the River Humber walls for which it is responsible and would negotiate with other frontage owners to do likewise.

Commander Pursey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the number of defective and deficient wharves, banks and warehouses, respectively, on the River Hull, within the Hull city boundary, which the river authority and Hull Corporation, respectively, have caused to be made good in the two months since the September serious flooding.

Mr. John Mackie

I am informed that Hull Corporation has given written notice to ten owners of nine wharves and two warehouses, requiring them to bring their premises up to the standard prescribed in the Corporation Act 1925. One wharf and one warehouse have since been brought up to the statutory level. The corporation proposes to consider in the light of the situation on 16th December, 1969 whether action is required under Section 13(2) of the Act.

The river authority reports that remedial work is in progress on the two points on the river bank where overtopping occurred.

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