§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what study his Department has made of the flood risks posed by sea level rises in the future to(a) the nuclear power station sites in Suffolk and (b) the former toxic waste tip near Pakerfield, Suffolk; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has produced estimates of possible sea level rise on a global basis, amounting to about 20 cm by the year 2030 and 65 cm by 2100, but it is not yet possible to assess with precision likely sea level rise in particular localities. Based on this and other information, the Department has issued guidance to the National Rivers Authority and maritime district councils about allowances to be made for sea level rise and crustal movement in designing coastal defences. For the Anglian region, the recommended allowance is 6 mm a year. Although no specific studies have been made of the sites referred to by the hon. Member, it is not thought that either site will be affected by sea level rise.