§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he proposes to review and deal with problems of coastal erosion in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [26787]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesIn 1993, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in conjunction with the Welsh Office, published the Government's strategy for flood and coastal defence in England and Wales. The570W strategy set out a comprehensive policy framework for the Ministry, the Welsh Office and coastal defence authorities to work within while carrying out their responsibilities for flood and costal 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 Welsh Office and the Ministry 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 conjunction with the preparation of these plans, the Welsh Office is updating its 1982 survey of coast protection in Wales, which will provide a comprehensive view of the state of the coastline, the condition of existing defences and the potential need for defences in areas where there is a coastal erosion.
The Welsh Office continues to grant aid capital works proposed by coast protection authorities provided they are technically sound, economically worthwhile and environmentally acceptable.