HC Deb 12 November 2001 vol 374 cc593-5W
Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the steps taken by the public bodies involved to reduce the risk of flooding in the south of Worcestershire since the Easter 1998 floods; and if she will make a statement. [13220]

Mr. Morley

A number of measures have been taken to reduce the, risk of flooding in this area since 1998.

Liaison between the Environment Agency, local authorities and emergency services has been considerably strengthened, including a flood emergency exercise conducted in the Upper Severn area.

The south Worcestershire area has also benefited from enhancements to the Environment Agency's Flood Warning service and the national flood awareness campaigns conducted annually. Every property on the `at-risk' database has been sent flooding information and everyone within telephone Flood Warning service areas has been invited to receive warnings.

The Environment Agency have been investigating flood defence options at five locations which suffered flooding Easter 1998 floods and, where sustainable, works to alleviate flooding have been carried out, or are planned. A new rain gauge has also been installed at Hindlip.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures the Government have taken to reduce the risk of flooding to one in 100 in high risk areas. [13006]

Mr. Morley

I am reducing the risk of flooding by investing in effective flood warning arrangements and flood defences in the highest risk areas. Funding for the Department's programme is increasing from £66 million 2000–01 to £114 million in 2003–04.

This Department provides funding to the Environment Agency, local authorities and Internal Drainage Boards for capital flood and coastal works that meet certain criteria. Responsibility for deciding which projects to promote and their timing rests with the operating authorities. The operating authority draws on its local knowledge of the area when deciding what needs to be done, including the design standard of protection within the economic justification of the project.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will provide funding for a flood defence scheme in Milby and Langthorpe. [13384]

Mr. Morley

I understand that the Environment Agency's initial assessment for a flood alleviation scheme in Milby and Langthorpe suggests that it cannot be justified economically. However, if the agency decides to promote a scheme, they can submit an application for grant aid to this Department. Such an application would be considered against our normal criteria for funding flood defences.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what preventive measures she has taken to ensure that the Ouse does not flood as a result of rivers to the north flowing into it. [13415]

Mr. Morley

Operational responsibility for flood alleviation measures rests with local operating authorities, namely the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Boards and local councils.

I understand that the Environment Agency's preliminary strategic review for the River Ouse catchment is due for completion early in 2002. The findings of this strategy will inform the agency's plans for a prioritised programme of feasibility and capital works in the catchment, including any for rivers flowing into the River Ouse from the north.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will provide funding towards construction of a land drainage pumping station in Rawcliffe; [13386]

(2) what measures she has taken to ensure that Blue. Beck in Rawcliffe does not flood and that run-off water will be diverted away from local homeowners. [13416]

Mr. Morley

Operational responsibility for flood alleviation measures rests with local operating authorities, namely the Environment Agency, internal drainage boards and local councils.

The Kyle and Ouse Internal Drainage Board is responsible for the Blue Beck and has commissioned consultants to examine how flood risk can be reduced, including an assessment of the justification of pumping facilities. If the board decides to promote works, they can submit an application for grant aid to this Department. Such an application would be considered against our normal criteria for funding flood defences.

Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on flood(a) warning and (b) prevention arrangements. [12885]

Mr. Morley

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 15 October 2001,Official Report, column 1095W.