§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the Environment Agency to identify a costed preferred scheme to improve flood defences in Lewes. [154334]
§ Mr. MorleyI understand that the Environment Agency is starting work on studies leading to the preparation of a flood defence strategy for the River Ouse and its tributaries. It is expected that the strategy, which will seek to identify sustainable options for flood defence in the catchment, will take eight to 12 months to complete. The timing of applications for grant aid on individual schemes will then be a matter for the Agency.