§ Q80. Sir David PriceTo ask the Prime Minister what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the protection of the British coast line and the development of appropriate sea defences; and which of her Ministers has overall responsibility for the development and implementation of such a policy.
§ The Prime MinisterThrough the provision of grant aid to water and other drainage authorities and to maritime district councils, Her Majesty's Government provide a substantial contribution to the cost of capital works undertaken by these bodies for the protection of the coastline from flooding and erosion by the sea.
Ministerial responsibility in England for flood and coastal defences rests with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and in other parts of the United Kingdom the respective Secretaries of State.