§ Ms KeebleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment his Department has made of the state of repair of inland flood defences. [40593]
§ Mr. MorleyResponsibility for such assessments rests with the local operating authorities (Environment Agency, local authorities and Internal Drainage Boards). Whilst this Department has overall policy responsibility for flood 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 the operating authorities. The Ministry calls for Medium Term Plans from operating authorities which indicate the need for capital works.
In recognition of their responsibility, the Environment Agency are implementing an Asset Register of Flood Defences which, inter alia, will record the state of repair of inland flood defences.