§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the future effectiveness of the Thames barrier in the light of the impact of pollution and the greenhouse effect on Thames water levels.
§ Mr. Ryder[holding answer 25 July 1988]: I am satisfied that the Thames barrier will continue to provide effective flood protection even if the most extreme predictions for sea level rise materialise. The barrier's design allows for increased sea levels of 0.75 m by the year 2030 and a further rise of up to 1 m could be accommodated. Engineers from Thames Water, who are responsible for the barrier, and MAFF are closely monitoring the evidence emerging about rising sea levels, but no special action is necessary at the present time.