HC Deb 07 March 1978 vol 945 cc571-2W
Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of the European Economic Community decision not to give further financial aid from its disaster fund, if he will ensure that the South-West of England has its share of the £1 million already given to the United Kingdom by the Community.

Mr. Shore

I am not aware that the European Economic Community has come to any decision about further financial aid from its disaster fund or, indeed, whether it feels that it needs to. The Government are considering how the money which has already been provided by the EEC is to be allocated.

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the Government action taken and the estimated amount of Government expenditure to assist people in recent heavy snow falls in England and Wales; and what was the size of the population involved.

Mr. Shore

When the recent heavy falls of snow occurred in South-West England and Wales my right hon. Friend, the Minister of State, was appointed by the Prime Minister to co-ordinate the relief work being carried out by local authorities, the police and Government Departments. The Government services involved included helicopters and other assistance provided by the Armed Forces; snow clearing machinery provided by the Department of Transport; and the emergency centres established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. It is not yet possible to calculate the cost involved.

The total population of the counties affected wholly or in part is about 6 million.