§ Baroness Carnegy of Lourasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether special assistance will be made available to farmers in Scotland to restore their flood defences damaged in the recent storms.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord Sanderson of Bowden)As I saw for myself when I visited the worst affected areas, the main problem caused by recent high river levels in Scotland has been the breaching of elevated floodbanks. Where this has occurred considerable damage has been done, not only in the immediate vicinity of the breach, but often over a much wider surrounding area. To prevent further damage it is important that these flood defences are restored as soon as conditions will allow. To that end the Government are satisfied that additional assistance is justified for the repair of elevated floodbanks. The rates of grant available under the Farm and Conservation Grant Scheme (National), which are normally 50 per cent. for the less-favoured areas and 40 per cent. elsewhere, are being increased to 75 per cent. and 60 per cent. respectively. These rates will be available for a period of six months from 1st March.