§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 15 January 2001,Official Report, column 60W, what plans he is making to improve flood defences in Gloucestershire; and if he will make a statement. [146608]
§ Mr. MorleyThe responsibility for deciding which flood defence projects to promote and their timing rests with local operating authorities (the Environment Agency, Local Authorities and Internal Drainage Boards). The operating authorities have submitted bids for funds to accelerate river flood defences over the next three years, as part of the package of an additional £51 million announced following the recent flooding. The bids are being considered and decisions on allocations will be announced shortly.