HC Deb 20 November 1973 vol 864 cc381-2W
Mr. Trew

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the latest estimates of the completion dates of the flood defences downstream of the Thames flood barrier on the Kent and Essex sides, respectively.

Mrs. Fenner

The plans of the Kent and Essex River Authorities continue to be to complete, before the barrier becomes operational in time for the 1978–79 flood season, the necessary improvements to the downstream defences for those areas of comparable importance to London and those areas where there is appreciable risk of loss of life or damage to property.

Mr. Roger White

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the flood defences downstream of the Thames flood barrier are affected by the cutbacks in public expenditure announced recently by the Prime Minister.

Mrs. Fenner

Some work on the defences downstream of the Thames barrier has already started. The remainder of the contracts to be placed by the Greater London Council and the Essex and Kent River Authorities are planned to be let after 1st January 1974. Progress of the scheme will not be affected by the measures referred to.

Mr. Roger White

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in the preparatory work for the flood defences downstream of the Thames flood barrier on the Kent and Essex sides, respectively; whether the work in one county is more advanced than in the other; and for what reason.

Mrs. Fenner

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Dartford (Mr. Trew) on 18th April 1973.—[Vol. 855, c. 126–7.] Since then preparatory work has progressed and currently tender documents are being prepared. The problems of the Kent and Essex sides are different, and so it is not possible to make a simple comparison of the rates of progress.

Mr. Trew

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to improve co-ordination between his Ministry, the Greater London Council and the river authorities in Kent and Essex in the planning and construction of the flood defences downstream of the Thames flood barrier.

Mrs. Fenner

I am satisfied with the co-ordination that has so far been achieved between my officials and those of the Greater London Council and the Kent and Essex River Authorities in the planning of the Thames downstream defences. As the work develops the need for co-ordination will inevitably increase, and I shall take any necessary steps as appropriate.