§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the evaluation being made by his Department on the effectiveness of sea and river flood defences in the eastern counties after the floods of 20 February; and what changes he proposes to make to his policy, investment programme and evacuation procedures.
§ Mr. CurryOur initial assessment is that both the flood warning arrangements and the coastal defences themselves performed well in the face of the events of 20/21 February, reflecting the substantial investment in coastal defences made by successive Governments and local agencies, as well as the professionalism of the emergency services and other organisations involved. Damage to coastal defences is estimated at a little under £2 million and this will be made good as a matter of urgency. A detailed appraisal is under way to ensure that any necessary improvements are made to procedures and that resources continue to be concentrated on areas of greatest need.