§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his planned allocation of money to Suffolk and Norfolk for river and flood protection and sea defence coast protection, in the light of the autumn statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe provision for flood and sea defence and arterial drainage underlying the autumn statement announcement will facilitate an increase in grant to the National Rivers Authority in England from £30.1 million in 1991–92 to £37.7 million in 1992–93. This should fund an increasing capital works programme of about £80 million in 1992–93.
In recognition of the particular problems of that area, an increased allocation for capital works of £7 million will be made to the National Rivers Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk and the basic rate of grant in that district will be raised from 45 to 55 per cent., plus the existing 20 per cent. supplement for tidal and sea defence work. The increases in allocation and grant rate are conditional on the local flood defence committee, including county council members, agreeing to increase levies to fund the programme of works.
The provision for grants to local authorities, internal drainage boards and maritime district councils in England for flood and coastal defence works amounts to £24.7 million in 1992–93. Such authorities within Norfolk and Suffolk will decide on priorities within their areas of responsibility and any scheme proposed will be considered for approval and grant aid by the Department.