Flood Prevention Works (Thamesside)

HC Deb 17 July 1974 vol 877 cc156-7W

Mr. Ovenden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the progress being made on flood protection works on the Kent bank of the Thames necessitated by the proposed Thames barrage and the 2,000 year tide.

Mr. Bishop

Since April 1974 the flood protection work on the Kent bank of the Thames has been the responsibility of the Southern Water Authority. Preparatory work is continuing and the first contract should be let in October 1974. The water authority plans to complete the work by the time the barrier becomes operational. This will give protection against a surge tide with a return period of 1 in 1,000 years.

Mr. Ovenden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the discussions between his Department and the Greater London Council concerning the contribution to be made by that council towards flood prevention works on the Kent bank of the Thames.

Mr. Bishop

The Thames Barrier and Flood Prevention Act 1972 requires the GLC to reimburse the Southern Water Authority for that part of the cost of improving the Kent flood defences which is necessary to contain the effects of operating the barrier to be constructed at Woolwich. The extent of the GLC's liability has recently been discussed at two meetings between officials of the Ministry, the GLC and the water authorities concerned. I hope that agreement in principle will be reached very shortly.

	Year
	1964	1965	1966	1967	1968	1969	1970	1971	1972	1973
Staff Ashore	…	…	878	864	879	877	852	892	918	907	918	891
Staff Afloat	…	…	908	859	788	815	758	776	752	790	631	640

The reduction in staff numbers at sea reflects the phasing out of the older, less efficient vessels of the Service, and the introduction of modem craft requiring smaller crews.

Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many vessels are available to the Hydrographer of the Royal Navy to fulfil his duties, how many such vessels are less than five years old, five to 10 years old, 10 to 15 years old, 15 to 20 years old and over 20 years old, respectively.

Mr. Judd

The three ocean survey ships and four coastal survey vessels are between five and 10 years old. The five