§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what estimate he has of the value of the damage done to the environment in Portland following the recent storms;
(2) what estimate he has of the sum likely to be available from central sources which can be devoted to the amelioration of the costs to the local authority and losses suffered by the community and individuals in Portland following recent storms.
§ Mr. Denis Howell:I am not aware that any estimate is yet available of the total cost of the damage sustained at Portland as a result of the recent storms and I cannot therefore say what costs are likely to fall on central Government. I can, however, confirm that, in exceptional circumstances such as these, financial assistance related to their actual additional expenditure is available to local 655W authorities on the same terms as those announced to the House by my right hon. Friend on 8th February 1978 in respect of the floods of last winter.