Mr Benn was responding to a question in the House of Commons by Beverley MP Graham Stuart, who raised the plight of the 1,476 families in Hull and 750 families in the East Riding who have not been able to return to their homes since the floods.

Mr Stuart told the Minister that local people would appreciate a visit and he asked for an assurance that the fire and rescue services hold the proper safety equipment in case such a disaster happens again.

This week's report by Sir Michael Pitt, who has led the Government review of the flooding, recommended that the Government should urgently put in place a fully-funded national capability for flood rescue, with fire and rescue authorities playing a leading role.

Mr Benn said he would be happy to accept Mr Stuart's invitation, adding that some fire and rescue services already have flood rescue capability and have trained their personnel.

He said: "An effective system of mutual aid is in place so that resources, boats and trained staff can be provided where they are needed.

"We will consider carefully Sir Michael's recommendations on the matter."

Mr Stuart said: "I'm pleased to have the Secretary of State agree to come because getting people back into their homes needs to be our top priority. It's really not acceptable to see so many families still in temporary accommodation and I hope the Minister will have some good news for them."

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