§ 2.51 p.m.
§ Lord Gainford asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ What efforts are being made to improve flood prevention in the United Kingdom.
§ Baroness TrumpingtonMy Lords, with the assistance of drainage authorities, the Government have recently undertaken a comprehensive review of flood prevention requirements. This has identified the need for an increased long-term programme of work, and the Government have recently announced additional funding for both local and water authority schemes.
The Government, through their regional engineers and contact with drainage and coastal authorities, will continue to monitor flood and coastal defence needs.
§ Lord GainfordMy Lords, I thank my noble friend the Minister for that Answer. Will she say what is the exact level of government funding at the moment? Is it likely to increase in the future?
§ Baroness TrumpingtonMy Lords, in 1987–88 the Government contributed some £33 million in grant-aid to coastal and inland defence works. That sum will increase to £47 million by 1991–92.