§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide financial assistance to Weymouth and Portland borough council under the Bellwin scheme for the costs incurred in dealing with the second world war bomb on the Island of Portland between 1 and 3 April 1995. [27841]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesI am satisfied that financial assistance under the Bellwin scheme is justified given the exceptional nature of this incident. A scheme 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 Weymouth and Portland borough council in dealing with the bomb and evacuating residents from the Island of Portland between 1 and 3 April 1995.