§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he remains convinced that his 75 per cent. contribution to local authority flood relief payments was of realistic help to the stricken areas; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether he will now give his estimate of the damage caused by the January floods on the East Coast; how many applications for 75 per cent. contributions from central Government he has received; how many he has paid; how many remain in the pipeline; and what is the latest date at which his Department will consider further claims.
§ Mr. ShoreI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to his Questions on 14th March.—[Vol. 946, col. 167.]—To date, I have received one application for financial assistance in respect of damage caused by the January floods on the East Coast and my Department is discussing this with the local authority concerned. I see no reason yet to set a latest date for the consideration of claims.