§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the design life of the Thames Barrier; and if he will make a statement. [91403]
§ Mr. MorleyI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 2 February 1999,Official Report, column 656. The design life of the Barrier is 60 years—i.e. to the year 2030. This design life was based on rates of sea level rise predicted in the 1970s, which were higher than those currently anticipated. With normal care and maintenance the Barrier should continue to provide London with a high level of protection from tidal flooding until at least the latter part of the next century. The Environment Agency is considering the wider long-term flood defence needs of London following consultation with interested parties.