This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/6896731.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Inquiry ordered into June floods Inquiry ordered into June floods
(about 6 hours later)
A review into the causes and response to the floods which devastated parts of England has been ordered by ministers.A review into the causes and response to the floods which devastated parts of England has been ordered by ministers.
The inquiry will look at why flooding was so extensive, the response and if they could have been predicted.The inquiry will look at why flooding was so extensive, the response and if they could have been predicted.
Four people died in the floods which inundated parts of the Midlands and Yorkshire, with more than 30,000 homes and 7,000 businesses affected.Four people died in the floods which inundated parts of the Midlands and Yorkshire, with more than 30,000 homes and 7,000 businesses affected.
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said lessons must be learnt on responding to and managing this "type of disaster".Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said lessons must be learnt on responding to and managing this "type of disaster".
Thousands of people are still being housed in temporary accommodation.Thousands of people are still being housed in temporary accommodation.
Response 'impressive'Response 'impressive'
The inquiry will seek views from residents, councillors and members of the emergency services, and will report by the end of the year.The inquiry will seek views from residents, councillors and members of the emergency services, and will report by the end of the year.
We are struggling on. It is a very worrying time. I have checked our insurance and at least I know we are covered Send us your comments
In a Commons statement Mr Benn said the response of emergency services, local authorities and communities had been "impressive".In a Commons statement Mr Benn said the response of emergency services, local authorities and communities had been "impressive".
"However, as the affected communities, businesses and individuals move to the long and difficult task of recovery, they are understandably asking questions about the flooding - its causes and subsequent management," he said."However, as the affected communities, businesses and individuals move to the long and difficult task of recovery, they are understandably asking questions about the flooding - its causes and subsequent management," he said.
The Conservatives had called for an independent inquiry, but the review will be led by officials from the Cabinet Office.The Conservatives had called for an independent inquiry, but the review will be led by officials from the Cabinet Office.
'Once in 400-year-event''Once in 400-year-event'
The review will look at why the flooding was so extensive, whether its scale and impact could have been predicted, whether the response was well coordinated enough and whether those involved had the right support and equipment.The review will look at why the flooding was so extensive, whether its scale and impact could have been predicted, whether the response was well coordinated enough and whether those involved had the right support and equipment.
WORST AFFECTED FLOOD AREAS
It will also cover information given to the public and the transition from response to recovery.It will also cover information given to the public and the transition from response to recovery.
Earlier the Environment Agency told the Yorkshire Regional Flood Defence Committee that the flooding had been a "once in 400-year event" and said river defences had been effective.Earlier the Environment Agency told the Yorkshire Regional Flood Defence Committee that the flooding had been a "once in 400-year event" and said river defences had been effective.
Meanwhile the chairmen of all flood defence committees in England have written to Mr Benn to voice "deep concern" about the maintenance of defences in the future.Meanwhile the chairmen of all flood defence committees in England have written to Mr Benn to voice "deep concern" about the maintenance of defences in the future.
Downing Street has rejected suggestions the government had been slow to react to the floods crisis.Downing Street has rejected suggestions the government had been slow to react to the floods crisis.