§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much new public money has been spent in 2001 on improving flood defences in(a) York, (b) Uckfield, (c) Yalding, (d) Leamington Spa, (e) Stratford Upon Avon and (f) Lewes. [17830]
§ Mr. MorleyOperational responsibility for flood alleviation measures with the local operating authorities, namely the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Boards and local councils. DEFRA provides grant for flood defence capital works, and associated studies, which meet essential technical, economic and environmental criteria and achieve an appropriate priority score.
I understand the Environment Agency has incurred expenditure in 2001 on such flood alleviation initiatives as studies, flood warning improvements, emergency repairs and maintenance at these sites but has not undertaken capital improvement works.