§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in the light of the fact that at the present rate of expenditure, flood alleviation and land drainage works in Greater London will take 120 years to complete and, in the light of the heavy flooding which took place in Hillingdon on 16th–17th August, what is his policy concerning the provision of grant aid for such works ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Strang :The responsibility for carrying out land drainage and flood alleviation work in the London excluded area—which broadly covers Greater London—rests with the Greater London Council under the provisions of the Land Drainage Act 1976. I understand that 45W the Council is now considering a programme to improve the non-tidal rivers in the area at a total estimated cost of £100 million spread over a number of years. It seems likely that this expenditure will be eligible for grant aid from the Ministry, and a meeting is due to take place later this month to consider what rate of grant might be appropriate having regard to all the relevant factors, including the resources available to the Council.