§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has carried out into the effect of the removal of hedges and trees on the propensity of land to flood; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackResearch is being funded by MAFF into the hydrological effects of urban growth and the run-off response of river catchments, which are major factors influencing storm water run-off and therefore the propensity of land to flood. The removal of hedges and trees, taken on its own, is unlikely to have a significant effect on flood flows and this is therefore not seen as a priority area of research.