§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what impact the abolition of ring-fencing in relation to the capital programmes of local authorities will have on his plans to impose a statutory duty on local authorities to assume responsibility for flood prevention schemes. [9285]
§ Mr. KynochIt is for each local authority to determine the relative priorities of schemes within its capital programme in the light of its statutory duties and identified local needs. The financial implications of any changes in flood prevention responsibilities will be taken into account in the review which the Secretary of State announced on 1 November 1995. A consultation paper will be issued soon.