§ Dr. StrangTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which areas of England and Wales have been subject to severe flooding since 1979; and what assistance was made available to those communities and individuals who suffered financial loss as a consequence of the flooding.
§ Mrs. ShephardMy Department and the Welsh Office seek to maintain a general overview of major flooding incidents but do not collect comprehsensive data on incidents. In any case, to the individuals in the affected area any flooding is likely to be regarded as severe.
The Government do not normally provide financial assistance to individuals as it is considered to be the responsibility of householders and business to ensure that they have adequate insurance for their property and contents. However, exceptionally, the Government made a contribution of £150,000 to the North Wales appeal funds in 1990 following flooding in Towyn.
In certain exceptional circumstances, special financial assistance has been provided to local authorities under the "Bellwin" scheme by my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Secretary of State for Wales with each case being considered on its merits. Grant aid is available to operating authorities for new and improved flood defence works from my Department or the Welsh Office. In targeting grant provision, which has increased in recent years, priority is given to flood warning and urban flood and sea defence works.