His Majesty's Government have great sympathy with those people whose houses have been affected by the recent floods, and the Government Departments concerned have been doing all in their power to assist in relieving distress. The Army has been responsible for rescue work on an extensive scale in the areas affected. Large numbers of civilians have been evacuated by D.U.K.W.S., amphibious tanks and lorries. Blankets have been made available to civilians on request from local authorities, and assistance has been given, where needed, in the distribution of food and water. Many soldiers have also been working on embankments and constructive work. Water tanks and fire pumps have been made available by the Ministry of Works, and the Ministry of Transport have been helping to distribute water in East London, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Water Board.

In order to help in the provision of alternative accommodation, and to give general advice and assistance, the Ministry of Health have directed their regional housing officers to co-operate with the regional engineering inspectors and general inspectors, who are keeping in touch with the local authorities in areas where flooding is causing distress. The Ministry of Food are using their emergency service organisation, where necessary, to maintain food supplies. Every effort is being made to continue food distribution through normal channels, but, in the few cases where this has been found impracticable, the local food executive officer, in consultation with the local authority and the divisional food officer, has been able to make special arrangements. Where necessary, emergency feeding centres have been opened.

As regards personal belongings, coupons, dockets, utility furniture, and permits are being made available to meet the needs of persons whose clothing, footwear, bedding, floor covering or curtaining have been irreparably damaged or lost in the floods; and the Regional Distribution Officers of the Board of Trade are also taking all steps with suppliers to ensure that retailers in these areas have essential goods available to meet the special demands arising from the flood damage. The Ministry of Fuel and Power are getting supplies to the areas affected in three ways. Priority of supply is being given to areas where there are no stocks at hand. Small emergency supplies of fuel are being used in other areas, such as Bedford. In producing areas the local fuel overseers are able to authorise extra supplies on the spot for those who need it.