§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to establish the long term effects of the greenhouse effect on British coastlines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RyderA rise in the mean sea level is the main possible consequence of the greenhouse effect on British238W coastlines. A national research programme, led by the Department of the Environment and co-ordinated with European Community and world-wide research, is investigating the implications for the United Kingdom of the greenhouse effect. The results will be monitored carefully, particularly with regard to predictions of changes in mean sea level and the implications for the design of sea defences. The existing tide gauge network already provides useful information on actual changes in sea level.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the annual budget devoted by his Department to the investigation of the effects of the greenhouse effect and freak weather conditions on Britain's coastline.
§ Mr. RyderResponsibility for research into the greenhouse effect and its consequences rests primarily with the Department of the Environment, although my Department maintains close liaison on these matters. Some £2 million is spent annually by my Department on river and coastal research generally, of which about 60 per cent. is directed to research which will assist with the future planning and design of coastal defences.