§ Mr. Brocklebank-Fowlerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the standards for sea defences established by the Waverley Committee following the 1953 floods in view of the higher levels of flooding experiences on 11th January; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangThe fact that despite the high tide levels on 11th–12th January relatively few areas along the East Coast were flooded suggests that in general the Waverley Committee standards remain adequate. My officials will be studying in consultation with the authorities concerned whether any changes need to be made in those areas where the defences were breached or overtopped.
§ Mr. Brocklebank-Fowlerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department will be meeting the full cost of repairs to the sea defences in the constituency of Norfolk, North-West as a result of the storm damage on 11th January.
§ Mr. StrangMy right hon. Friend the Minister has no statutory powers to do so, but in certain circumstances the cost of repair work may be eligible for grant aid under the usual arrangements.