§ Mr. Moateasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement describing the steps that have been taken to date to repair and improve sea defences following the recent flooding; what plans he has to ensure that all necessary works are completed as a matter of urgency; and what extra financial provision is being made to allow these works to proceed.
§ Mr. BishopSea defences are in the main the responsibility of the water authorities. I understand that breaches caused by the January surge tides were quickly repaired and that the repair of other damage to the defences is in hand. The improvement of defences is a longer-term problem often involving site investigations and design effort before the work can be started. In some key areas this has already begun and on other parts of the coast consideration is being given to the speeding up of existing improvement schemes. I am satisfied that the water authorities are taking all possible action to get ahead with this task. I understand that the cost of the repair work has been met so far from the authorities' existing financial resources. Any requests to my Department for the allocation of additional funds for improvement schemes will be considered sympathetically.