§ 35. Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to improve the financial arrangements for sea defences.
§ Mr. CurryUnder the Land Drainage Act 1976 drainage bodies (the National Rivers Authority, local authorities and internal drainage boards) have powers to carry out flood and sea defence works. Grants are available from my Department towards the cost of schemes which are technically sound, economically worth while and environmentally sympathetic. Basic rates range from 15 per cent. to 55 per cent., while sea and tidal defence schemes attract a supplement of 20 per cent.
Following the 1988 and 1989 public expenditure surveys, increased Government funding totalling £29.3 million was announced over the period 1989–90 to 1992–93. The greater part of this additional provision is being targeted towards urgent sea defence works on the east coast and elsewhere, and to works which will protect people and property.
§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent measures have been taken by his Department to help improve Britain's coastal defences.
§ Mr. CurryMy Department maintains a close liaison with the National Rivers Authority and local councils responsible for the promotion of coastal defence work to ensure that the state of the nation's defences is continually monitored. To assist with the promotion of such defence332W works, increased Government funding totalling £29.3 million was announced following the 1988 and 1989 public expenditure surveys over the period 1989–90 to 1992–93. This increased funding is being mainly targeted towards the improvement of defences on the coastline and for the protection of people and property.