§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures are being taken to improve sea defences around Britain; and if she will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 8 July 1993]: Responsibility for flood defence and coast protection policy in England lies with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and in Wales and Scotland with the respective Departments. Grant aid is available for capital schemes which meet technical, environmental and economic criteria and in 1992–93 grant of £45 million was paid by the three Departments towards the improvement of coastal defences in Great Britain.
Following a recent survey of sea defences against flooding in England and Wales, carried out by the National Rivers Authority, defences identified as requiring significant work have been attended to or are in the process of being restructured or repaired. The Ministry and the Welsh Office are currently undertaking surveys of coast protection defences against erosion in England and Wales and the results will be used in planning future investment in defences.