HC Deb 06 February 2001 vol 362 cc450-1W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the environmental damage to Start Bay, Slapton following(a) the recent storm and (b) storms in 1978–79. [147290]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 26 January 2001]: My Department has not undertaken any such assessments.

Construction of flood defences for Torcross followed the 1978–79 storms.

I understand that South Hams district council and Devon county council are concerned about managing this sensitive area properly and on 18 January held a joint meeting with relevant agencies including the Environment Agency and English Nature to discuss a draft shoreline management plan for the area between Strete and Start Point, which encompasses Start Bay.