§ 32. Mr. Molloyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria he uses in permitting local authorityes to provide practical and financial assistance to flood victims.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettLocal authorities have power under Section 138 of the Local Government Act 1972 to spend money or grant loans where they con-784W sider it necessary to do so to alleviate the effects of emergencies or disasters such as flooding. When councils exercise this power they have to notify my right hon. Friend as soon as practicable of the action they have taken. He has power to limit their action, but councils normally act responsibly in these matters, and it would be exceptional for him to have to do so.