§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what response he has had from coastal authorities to his recent announcement on expenditure on sea defences; and which areas will benefit most immediately from this announcement.
§ Mr. RyderCoastal authorities, like their counterparts inland, have welcomed the recent announcement of increased funding for a long-term programme of inland and sea defence works, which was the result of a comprehensive review of national flood defence needs. The additional funding of £25 million a year will allow much-needed improvement to the coastal and flood defence on the east coast and in other areas where schemes will provide protection to lives, buildings, and industry.