HC Deb 31 March 1994 vol 240 cc917-8W
Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide financial assistance to South Wight borough council under the Bellwin scheme towards its costs of dealing with the landslips which occurred between December 1993 and February 1994.

Mr. Baldry

Yes. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that these incidents were indeed exceptional and that a scheme of assistance should be established under section 155 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Grant will be paid to South Wight borough council to cover 85 per cent. of eligible costs which it has incurred above a threshold in dealing with the emergency.