§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action his Department is taking in respect of the high tide levels predicted for March this year.
§ Mr. GummerI am aware that unusually high tides are predicted around some parts of the coast on 10–11 March as a result of a combination of factors, including the closeness of the moon's approach to the earth and the approaching equinox. In itself, this does not pose a flood risk since coastal defences are designed to provide a margin over highest astronomical tide levels. However, much will depend on weather conditions at the time. The Meteorological Office's storm tide warning service, which is funded by this Department, will continue to monitor the situation closely and pass any necessary warnings to the National Rivers Authority. In addition, officials in the Department have written to local flood emergency contacts drawing their attention to the possibility of high tides in early March so as to enable the local services involved to be ready to respond to any flood warnings received.