§ Sir D. Walker-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will give early consideration to the requests made, on behalf of a number of local authorities in East Hertfordshire in the letter from the Town Clerk of Hertford dated 22nd October, for financial arrangements for the acceleration of flood prevention processes and the institution of an early warning system in respect thereof.
§ Mr. John MackieThe Lee Conservancy Catchment Board is responsible for flood protection works in its area and and any acceleration in its works programme is a matter for the Board to consider in the light of its physical and financial resources and the competing demands for its services. I understand that the Board is proposing to extend its present flood warning system. The hon. Member will be aware that the Agriculture Bill presented to Parliament on 29th October provides for my right hon. Friend to grant aid such work by all river authorities.