HC Deb 09 February 2001 vol 362 cc721-2W
Mr. Harvey

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what funding he will make available for research into coastal erosion and sea defences in Devon under the shoreline management plan; and when such work will take place. [149513]

Mr. Morley

The Ministry funds a programme of strategic research and development on flood and coastal defence. However, it is for local operating authorities (normally the Environment Agency and local authorities) to undertake more site-specific studies, such as those identified in shoreline management plans. The Ministry provides grant aid to operating authorities for studies of coastal processes and scheme feasibility, provided the proposals meet certain criteria. The timing of such studies is a matter for the operating authorities.