§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make payments of grant to local authorities in Norfolk to compensate them for emergency work undertaken as a result of damage caused by the storms on 20 and 21 February.
§ Mr. RedwoodYes. In the light of information provided by North Norfolk district council in April 1993, my right hon. and learned Friend is satisfied that special financial assistance would be justified in this case. 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 severe storms in Norfolk in February 1993. Grant will be paid to reimburse local authorities in Norfolk for 85 per cent. of eligible costs incurred above a threshold.