HC Deb 22 July 1993 vol 229 cc350-1W
Mr. Harris

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide financial assistance to local authorities in Cornwall to compensate them for emergency work undertaken as a result of damage caused by storms and floods during the period 9 to 12 June.

Mr. Baldry

Yes. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that financial relief under the Bellwin scheme would be justified in this case because of the exceptional nature of the flooding in Cornwall. Accordingly, the Secretary of State has decided, with the consent of the Treasury, to establish a scheme of assistance under section 155 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 in respect of expenditure relating to damage caused by the storms and floods in Cornwall in June 1993. Grant will be paid to reimburse local authorities for 85 per cent. of eligible costs incurred above threshold. North Cornwall district council had advised the Department that it has incurred expenditure above its threshold. It is expected that grant to that authority is likely to be in the region of £16,000.