§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he proposes to review and deal with problems of coastal erosion; and if he will make a statement. [28786]
§ Mr. JackIn 1993 the Ministry, in conjunction with the Welsh Office, published the Government's strategy for flood and coastal defence in England and Wales. The strategy sets out a comprehensive policy framework for the Ministry, the Welsh Office and flood and coastal defence authorities to work within while carrying out their responsibilities for flood and coastal defence. To assist authorities, the Ministry and Welsh Office have also produced guidance booklets on project appraisal, environmental best practice and the preparation of shoreline management plans. Copies of all these publications have been placed in the Library of the House.
The Ministry and the Welsh Office have encouraged the formation of coastal groups to consider coastal defence in a strategic manner. Those groups are carrying forward the preparation of shoreline management plans.
In 1994 the Ministry published a comprehensive survey of the state of coast protection work in England. The survey results were sent to the local coast protection authorities in England for them to consider the condition of existing defences and the potential need for defences in their area for unprotected lengths of coastline that are eroding significantly.
The Ministry continues to grant aid capital works proposed by coast protection authorities provided that they are technically sound, economically worthwhile and environmentally acceptable.