§ Mr. TrendTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide financial assistance to the royal borough of Windsor and Maidenhead under the Bellwin scheme towards their costs of dealing with the flooding incident which occurred between 12 and 14 October 1993.
§ Mr. BaldryYes. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that financial relief under the Bellwin scheme would be justified given the exceptional nature of this incident. A scheme of assistance will therefore be established under section 155 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Grant will be paid to cover 85 per cent. of eligible costs which are above a threshold, and which have been incurred by the royal borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in respect of this flood damage.