§ Dame Peggy FennerTo ask he minister of Agriculture, fisheries and Food (1) what studies have been carried out into water availability in the north Kent marshes for site of special scientific interest management and environmentally sensitive area implementation;
(2) what criteria he will employ to decide the priority for water level management on SSSI in north Kent and the creation of new wetland areas under the recently announced environmentally sensitive area.
§ Mr. CurryDuring the preparation of the north Kent marshes environmentally sensitive area (ESA) extensive consultations were carried out on all aspects of the scheme, including the availability and management of water. English Nature was one of the organisations consulted both in respect of the ESA as a whole and the sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) within it. The Ministry will continue to work closely with English Nature to achieve our shared environmental objectives throughout the area.
§ Dame Peggy FennerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what financial resources are available to install new drainage structures which will permit raising of ditch water levels in the north Kent marshes environmentally sensitive area.
§ Mr. CurryEighty per cent. grants for the construction of bunds or sluices or other works to control water levels are available to farmers who have land under an environmentally sensitive area agreement. Where schemes are undertaken by drainage bodies grant aid may also be available under the Water Resources Act 1991 and the Land Drainage Act 1991.