§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reason Environmental Agency flood defence work to sea defences at Shoreham and Lancing has been discontinued; and when the programme will be resumed. [30688]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Department has advised the Environment Agency's Sussex Flood Defence Committee that it will provide grant to support a programme of capital defence works of £3.9 million in 1998–99 (an increase over the provision for 1997–98). Within this total, it is for the Committee to decide which projects should be promoted and their timing. I understand that substantial works have already been completed at Shoreham/Lancing and that the current phase, estimated to cost £1.6 million, is likely to be completed by the end of March 1998. The Committee has determined that the next phase should be promoted in 1999–2000 in the light of its urgency in comparison to works elsewhere in the area.