§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to make money available to those affected in Northolt, Greenford, Hanwell and the Ealing area by recent severe flooding; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chope[holding answer 18 May 1988]: It is for local authorities to deal with emergencies affecting their area, and local authorities have wider discretionary powers under section 138 of the Local Government Act 1972 to incur expenditure to alleviate the effects of such eventualities. As far as private householders are concerned, flood damage is normally covered by house insurance.