§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the total expenditure on improving flood defences in the Soar Valley since the Easter 1998 floods. [149998]
§ Mr. MorleyIn addition to their own expenditure of £156.000, the Environment Agency estimates that local authorities have spent approximately £1 million on improving flood defences in the Soar Valley since Easter 1998.
234W
§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Fooc how much has been spent by the Environment Agency on improving the flood defences in(a) Leicestershire and (b) the Soar Valley since Easter 1998. [149997]
§ Mr. MorleyI understand that since Easter 1998 the Environment Agency has spent some £840,000 on improving flood defences and warnings in Leicestershire, of which £156,000 was spent in the Soar Valley. In addition some £350,000 a year is spent on maintenance.