Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has undertaken an environmental appraisal of the Flood and Coastal Defence Project Appraisal Guidance Note 3: Economic Appraisal; and if he will make a statement. [91140]
§ Mr. MorleyAn environmental appraisal of the Flood and Coastal Defence Project Appraisal Guidance: Economic Appraisal is not appropriate. The guide, which is one of a planned series on the appraisal of flood and coastal defence projects, will set out the economic principles that should be followed in undertaking project appraisal. Specifically, it will indicate how the requirements set out in the Treasury's "Green Book" can be achieved and outline good practice. It will be an update of the 1993 Project Appraisal Guidance Note with 333W clarification of areas where there has been uncertainty in its use by operating authorities. It will support current policy and assist operation of the grant aid system. Another document in the series will provide guidance on environmental appraisal.