§ Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will make a statement on the progress of the study of the measures needed to protect London against tidal flooding.
§ Mr. GreenwoodAt my request the Greater London Council have since January, 1968, been conducting an investigation, of which the Government have borne half the cost, under the guid-102W ance of a Committee chaired by my noble Friend Lord Kennet. The Committee consisted of representatives of the Government Departments concerned, the Greater London Council, the Kent and Essex River Authorities, the Port of London Authority, the Chamber of Shiping and the Hydraulics Research Station. That report has now been received.
The Government are determined that London and Lower Thamesside must be defended against tidal floods. They regard the Greater London Council's report as a marked step towards a solution of the problem and accept that no time should be lost in completing the remaining studies for which it calls. The Government and the responsible authorities will then decide as a matter of urgency on the nature and siting of the defences required.
I am, with the agreement of the G.L.C., placing copies of the full report in the Library.