§ Mr. KilfedderTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on measures to reduce flooding.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe Department of Agriculture (NI) is empowered by the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973 to carry out drainage works on watercourses or works on sea defences where these have been designated by the Drainage Council for Northern Ireland and where, in the Department's opinion, works are expedient for the drainage of land. Decisions are informed by financial appraisal methods in use thoughout the United Kingdom.
The Department's powers under this order are permissive and are directed towards a better drainage of land. The order protects the Department inter alia from liability for any damage which may happen to other land or property through or by the accidental overflowing of a watercourse.
A high standard of flood protection is set in scheme proposals for urban areas, but the Department does not claim to prevent flooding in all circumstances.
Total annual expenditure on drainage works in each of the next three financial years is estimated at £19 million.