§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment. Transport and the Regions (1) when he will reply to the hon. Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham's letters dated 30 January, 12 February and 14 March and the letters from theShrewsbury Chronicle dated 11 January, 15 March and 22 March concerning the "Bale Us Out" campaign about business rate relief for flooded premises; and if he will make a statement; [156584]
(2) for what reason queries about the "Bale Us Out" campaign by the Shrewsbury Chronicle have been referred to his private office; and if he will make a statement. [156579]
§ Mr. Prescott[holding answer 2 April 2001]: The Environment Agency is investigating options for reducing the risk of flooding in Shrewsbury by the construction of flood defences to protect the vulnerable areas of the town.
An earlier scheme which would have been eligible for MAFF funding was refused planning permission by the local authority.
The Agency is now fast-tracking this project and, subject to the usual consents, is aiming to start construction this autumn. The Agency is currently preparing an Environmental Statement and planning application.
With reference to business rate relief, as with all cases where business is disrupted, businesses can apply to the local valuation office to have their rateable value reduced while premises are affected.
§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his holding answer to the hon. Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham of 2 April, on the Shrewsbury Chronicle's "Bale Us Out Campaign", when he will give a substantive reply to the questions. [158430]
§ Mr. PrescottI have replied to my hon. Friend's questions today.