§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide financial assistance to Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council under the Bellwin scheme for costs incurred following the severe flooding between 25 October and 1 November 1998. [80061]
§ Mr. MealeI am satisfied that financial assistance under the Bellwin scheme is justified in the case of Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council given the exceptional nature of the floods and the damage caused. A scheme will, therefore, be established under section 155764W of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Grant will be paid to the authority to cover 85 per cent. of eligible costs above a threshold and which have been incurred by the authority in dealing with the flooding.