§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he holds on the impact of dredging policy and building on low-lying land on both sides of the Clyde on the likelihood of flooding; and if he will make that information available. [1225]
§ Mr. KynochDevelopments on low-lying land adjacent to rivers face an inherent risk of flooding, however small. The assessment of this risk is primarily for developers and owners and a national planning policy guideline, planning and flooding, has been published to ensure that this is fully taken into account in the planning process. Strathclyde regional council, and the port authority jointly commissioned a study in 1988 of the possible effects of dredging operations reducing in line with the needs of the port. This concluded that this would have little effect on the risk of fluvial or tidal flooding but might lead to operational concerns for sewerage systems.