§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what flood defence works for the Cumbrian coast are planned over the next four years. [44865]
§ Mr. MorleyWhile this Department has overall policy responsibility for flood and coastal defence in England and administers grant aid for capital defence schemes, the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of defence measures is the responsibility of local operating authorities. Full information on coastal defence plans is therefore obtainable from the Environment Agency and relevant maritime councils.
However, from information submitted to this Department, I can advise that their plans for the remainder of 1998–99 and the following three years include the following proposed capital works for which they would hope to obtain Ministry funding:
Operating authority Proposed works Allerdale Borough Council Harrington (coast protection) Allerdale Borough Council Silloth Skinburness (coast protection) Allerdale Borough Council Maryport Harbour (coast protection) Copeland Borough Council Salthom Pit (coast protection) Barrow Borough Council Askam in Furness (coast protection) Other works may be proposed following the completion of ongoing studies. Ministry funding of all such schemes is considered if proposals meet technical, economic and environmental criteria and achieve an appropriate priority scheme.