§ Mr. Brocklebank-Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware that district councils have incurred heavy costs as a result of immediate action to restore damaged areas after the flood in January; and if he will consider a request from the North Norfolk District Council for interim payment by central Government at the rate of 75 per cent. of cost over and above the product of a penny rate.
§ Mr. ShoreI am fully aware that many local authorities were severely affected by last winter's bad weather, and those that incurred exceptionel expenditure beyond the product of a one penny rate will qualify for special financial assistance. An interim payment to the 359W North Norfolk district council will be made shortly.