§ Mr. Anthony Grantasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence he has of damage to property through subsidence caused by the drought; if he will publish such evidence; what steps he proposes to take to compensate householders who have suffered; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonI have no detailed evidence on the damage to property caused by the drought, nor can there be a precise attribution of the cause of subsidence in every case where it occurs. In general, houses which have been affected are not dangerous. The restoration of water levels in the soil may reverse any movement which has occurred and render premature repair work abortive. The cost of any repair work which may ultimately be necessary should normally be covered by householders' insurance, subject to the terms and conditions which may apply in individual cases.