MPS WERE pressing today for a Commons debate on flood funding in Yorkshire, as river levels receded in York.

York MP Hugh Bayley has asked the Speaker for an adjournment debate, with the support of several other Yorkshire Labour MPs, including Selby's John Grogan. News of their request came as the Government was preparing this afternoon to announce details of its long-awaited review of flood-defence funding.

It is expected to propose changes to the current complex and controversial system, under which local authority levies to the Environment Agency are set by regional flood committees.

In York, owners of a dozen flooded riverside homes and businesses were beginning to clear up today.

Derek Binns, landlord of the Lowther pub, said water had got into his cellars, which they had cleared out, but not into the pub. Sandbags and pumps were used to prevent any major damage. "We just about kept it out, but it's hard work."

The Jorvik Medical Practice said its surgery in Peckitt Street escaped unscathed.

The Ouse peaked at 13ft 4in (4.1m) above normal in the centre of York at 6pm last night, lower than had originally been expected, but a number of flood warnings remained in force today. It was expected to peak at Selby at 10am.

Meanwhile, BBC Radio 5 Live has defended an off-the-cuff comment by one of its presenters in which she suggested people should not move to York because of the floods.

Victoria Derbyshire was one of a number of broadcasters and reporters whose reporting of the flooding has been criticised for damaging York's tourism and business image.

Updated: 11:58 Wednesday, February 13, 2002