§ Commander Pursey(1)asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the last occasion before the 39W serious September flooding of the River Hull, on which the wharves within the city boundary were examined; what was the number found below Corporation level or defective; and what action was taken by the Yorkshire Ouse and Hull River Authority to have these wharves brought up to proper standard, before the equinoctial high tide which recently flooded large areas of the city;
(2)what action is to be taken by the river authority before the March equinoctial high tides to make flood-proof the 36 wharves, defective and deficient in height, and the 12 lanes from wharves, defective in height, of the River Hull, of which he has been informed;
(3)if he will state the number of portable dams for lanes and wharves, respectively, of the River Hull; what is the number which were placed prior to the flood of 29th September; and what action is being taken by the river authority to ensure all dams are in position when future flood warnings are given.
§ Mr. John MackieBy agreement with the Yorkshire Ouse and Hull River Authority, Hull Corporation is responsible for flood defences in respect of wharves within the city boundary to which the Hull Corporation Act 1925 applies. I understand from the corporation that most of the wharves were inspected on 27th September when minor seepage was discovered at four points. Further post-flood examination has so far disclosed short lengths of four wharves and two points on river banks that are defective and below the level prescribed in the Act. Of the twelve lanes, seven are protected by river walls, and the corporation states that the dam boards were in place on the other five lanes prior to the flood. The exact number of dam boards in wharves is not known but I am told that, with one exception, the normal precautionary measures were taken on 29th September. It is the responsibility of the Hull Corporation to require individual owners to carry out any necessary works in accordance with the terms of its Act, and I am assured it will do so. Owners are given warning of possible flooding through the police, and the Hull Corporation states that these arrangements are now being reviewed to see whether they can be improved.