§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 30 April 2001,Official Report, column 501W, on flood defence, if he will list the pilot studies being undertaken; and when they will be assessed. [160275]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Environment Agency is undertaking the following pilot catchment area studies utilising recently prepared guidelines:—
- North-east—River Derwent catchment
- North-west—River Irwell catchment
- Midlands—River Severn upstream of Gloucester
- Southern—River Medway and tributaries
- South-west and Moors—Catchments draining across the Somerset Levels.
The progress of these studies will be closely monitored. A review of the lessons learnt from these studies in autumn 2001, together with feedback from consultation on the current guidelines, will be incorporated into revised guidelines for the main programme of such studies leading to Catchment Flood Management Plans.