37. Mr. Grantasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make funds available to local authorities to assist them in dealing with any long-term damage arising from the recent storms and floods.
§ Mr. ChopeThe scheme of special financial assistance for dealing with storm damage in England announced by my right hon. Friend on 21 October applies only to726W immediate emergency-related expenditure incurred by local authorities. But, as my right hon. Friend announced. the Government are making limited additional capital allocations available to local authorities this year to assist with repairs to buildings; and additional funds for the Countryside Commission's tree-planting scheme, which extends to local authorities.
The flooding in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
§ 40. Ms. Ruddockasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will reimburse the London borough of Lewisham for costs incurred, within his area of responsibility, in meeting the emergencies resulting from the hurricane on 16 October.
§ Mr. ChopeI refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Environment, on 21 October. The London borough of Lewisham was invited that day by the Department to apply for assistance if it incurred eligible expenditure above the threshold in the Bellwin scheme.