§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he remains satisfied that his offer of 75 per cent. of flood damage relief costs after the first 1p rate is of realistic assistance to stricken authorities; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the total amount of flood relief payment that has been made by his Department to date as a result of the 75 per cent. central Government contribution announcement;
(3) how many applications for Government contribution to local authority flood relief expenditure he has received to date.
§ Mr. ShoreMany local authorities in whose areas there has been flood damage in recent months have applied in general terms for financial assistance. We have asked for detailed estimates of the expenditure they have incurred or are incurring, following my statement to the House of 8th February and that of my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 23rd February. So far, no such estimates have been received, and until they are no flood relief payments can be made by my Department.
I am satisfied that the 75 per cent. assistance on expenditure in excess of 1p rate product will be a real help to affected authorities; if, however, any local authority should exceptionally be left with a still heavy burden of expenditure I should, of course, be ready to consider the case for additional assistance.
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