Mr. NicholsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has had, and what meetings or contacts his officials have had, with the National Rivers Authority regarding measures to avoid flooding of farmland on the Somerset levels this winter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackI wrote to my hon. Friend on 9 December in response to his representations on behalf of a constituent. MAFF officials are in regular contact with National Rivers Authority officers on flood defence and water level management issues in the Somerset levels. Operational responsibility rests with the National Rivers Authority and the internal drainage boards in the areas concerned.