§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide financial assistance to North Wiltshire District Council under the Bellwin scheme in respect of costs incurred following the discovery of two World War II bombs in Chippenham on 12 and 13 February. [54874]
§ Ms ArmstrongI am satisfied that financial assistance under the Bellwin scheme is justified given the exceptional circumstances in this case. 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 North Wiltshire District Council in dealing with this incident.