§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will designate an agency with the sole responsibility for flooding. [137662]
§ Mr. PearsonThere are no plans for such designation. However the need for co-ordination between Agencies in dealing with flooding emergencies has been given priority with the establishment of an inter-Agency Flood Strategy Steering Group (FSSG). Under the direction of the FSSG, the Rivers Agency, in conjunction with Water Service, Roads Service and others are progressing measures to improve inter-Agency response.