Flooding Debate

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Neil Carmichael

Main Page: Neil Carmichael (Conservative - Stroud)

Flooding

Neil Carmichael Excerpts
Monday 10th February 2014

(10 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Pickles Portrait Mr Pickles
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We are, of course, not only constantly monitoring the rise of the flood waters, but analysing what is within them, with a view to public health. I congratulate my hon. Friend on being out and about with his constituents, as I am sure everybody here will be. One thing that has become very clear through this is that people in public office, be it Members of Parliament or councillors, have taken a considerable lead, not just in pressing for resources or offering help, but in rolling their sleeves up and getting involved—they should be commended.

Neil Carmichael Portrait Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con)
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First, I wish to thank all the people in my constituency in the agencies and services who have done so much on prevention and risk-management. In order effectively to sharpen the focus on flood defence perhaps there should be a strategic review, so does the Secretary of State agree that it needs to be reinforced and informed by strong local input?

Lord Pickles Portrait Mr Pickles
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I entirely agree with my hon. Friend that strong local input is immensely important. Although authorities from nearby cities or from London can have a grand strategic view, local people know how the rivers and culverts flow, and are in a position to offer good advice.