asked the Minister of Agriculture with reference to the recent repeated flooding of houses in Esher, Molesey and Hersham, caused by overflow of the River Mole, if he will institute an official inquiry into the causes and steps necessary to prevent a recurrence.

I understand that the Thames Conservancy, as the responsible drainage authority, are fully investigating this problem. I am satisfied that a formal inquiry by my Department at the present time would serve no useful purpose.