Mr. John David Taylorasked the Prime Minister what additional financial resources have been made available to those who suffered from the severe storms and flood damage during the month of October in (a) southern England, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland.
§ The Prime MinisterI refer the hon. Member to the statements made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, and by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales on 21 October 1987.
In addition, the European Commission has offered £210,000 to provide assistance to those affected by the storm damage in England; and £140,000 for those affected by flooding in Wales and Northern Ireland. Discussions are being held urgently between the Government and the Commission on the distribution of this money.
In certain circumstances payments may also be available under existing social security regulations.