§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the costs of the damage caused by the recent storm on the West Sussex coast. [96328]
§ Mr. MorleyInformation about such costs is not collected centrally. Local authorities have statutory powers to deal with emergencies and are expected to budget accordingly. They may apply for additional financial assistance where there is a case for doing so under existing rules. Where capital works for flood and coastal defences are justified, government grant will be considered against normal criteria.