HC Deb 25 January 1991 vol 184 cc358-9W
Mr. Graham

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to deal with the aftermath of the recent storms in Scotland; and what money will be made available to local councils to prevent similar damage occurring again.

Mr. Allan Stewart

On 8 January, in response to the severe storms of the weekend of 5–6 January in the west of Scotland, my right hon. Friend triggered a scheme of special financial assistance, known as the Bellwin scheme, in support of all local authorities in the area.

The scheme is designed to assist authorities financially in their response to the storms and the task of returning matters to normality. My Department has sent a circular to all the relevant local authorities setting out the details. Any eligible costs which authorities incur up to 8 March will be considered for assistance and I shall, of course, be as sympathetic as I can within the rules of the scheme.

Longer term prevention plans are a matter for individual local authorities and should be included in their forward financial plans for capital expenditure. Capital expenditure on flood prevention and coast expenditure comes within the provision for water and sewerage, which has been substantially increased. Local authorities have scope to undertake flood prevention and coast protection measures if they so wish.

From To
Chairman
Mr. Donald B. Grant, CBE, TD, LLD, CA 20 October 1986 31 March 1991
Members
Mr. Brian G. Donald, LLB 17 November 1986 31 March 1992
Mr. Archibald Gilchrist 17 November 1986 31 March 1994
Mr. Graham H. Speirs, LLB 17 November 1986 31 March 1992
Mr. George Barrie, CA 1 December 1986 31 March 1994
Professor Thomas F. Carbery, OBE 1 December 1986 31 March 1992
Mr. Robert J. Livingstone 6 September 1988 31 March 1992
Mr. George D. Holmes, CB 1 October 1989 31 March 1992
Mr. David A. Leitch 1 October 1989 31 March 1992
Sheriff Robert G. McEwan, QC 1 October 1989 31 March 1992
Mr. Colin N. McEachran. QC 1 February 1990 31 March 1994
Miss M. Lynda Clark, QC 1 April 1990 31 March 1994
Mrs. Christine Davis 1 April 1990 31 March 1994
Mrs. Isobel G. McColl, WS 1 April 1990 31 March 1994
Mrs. Margaret Tait 1 May 1990 31 March 1994