§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the cost of creating an artificial lake north of Shrewsbury to reduce the impact of flooding on the town; and if he will make a statement. [144035]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Ministry has policy responsibility for flood and coastal defence. Operational responsibility, including decisions on which projects to promote, rests with local operating authorities, such as the Environment Agency. I understand that the Agency will be undertaking a strategic review of possible options, and their costs for flood alleviation for the River Severn as part of the response to recent flooding events. The creation of additional flood storage will be considered as part of that review.