The Home Office had the responsibility of dealing with any civil emergency matter which might arise , and Newsam took personal charge as chairman of the official committee on emergencies . In 1953 the storm tide of the North Sea caused severe flooding along the East coast ; Newsam controlled the direction of all the resources of the government in repairing sea defences and homes , including taking charge of very large numbers of troops who provided an emergency workforce . Rab Butler wrote that he " had almost literally taken charge of the country " and " secured achievements that would have surprised Canute "
flooding along the East coast
North Sea flood of 1953
Frank Newsam