§ Mr. LansleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what new funding mechanisms have been introduced for flood defences; and how much she estimates they will raise in(a) 2004–05 and (b) 2005–06. [92011]
§ Mr. MorleyNo new funding mechanisms have yet been introduced. The Government are currently considering the options. The Spending Review figures announced last year for 2005–06 include an estimate of what might be raised from a new mechanism, such as a charge on development on the floodplain. This was set at £20 million out of an increase in provision for flood and coastal defence of £150 million for that year. No such amount was assumed for 2004–05.