§ 24. Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about a flood protection scheme for the Tay valley; and if he will make a statement. [21343]
§ Mr. KynochMy right hon. Friend has received no representations about a flood protection scheme for the Tay valley. The Perth flood prevention scheme, which aims to protect the city of Perth, has been advertised and submitted to him for confirmation. A number of objections are being addressed by Tayside regional council.
The regional councils at present, and the new unitary councils from 1 April 1996, have permissive powers under the Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961 to carry out flood prevention schemes for the protection of non-agricultural land. Following the 1993 Tay floods, Tayside regional council commissioned a study of the entire Tay catchment. It will pass information from this 645W to the new Perth and Kinross council regarding possible flood protection work for rural communities in the Tay. This will enable the new council to prioritise work that it considers necessary.