§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimates she has made of the number of years of protection264W afforded to London by the Thames Flood Barrier; when these estimates were made; and when they were last reviewed. [32893]
Mr. Morley [holding answer 11 February 2002]: The Thames Barrier is the largest component of the complex system of gates, walls and embankments which form the tidal defences to London and the Thames Estuary. The Barrier is a robust and flexible installation with a design based on rates of sea level rise predicted in the 1970s which were higher than those currently anticipated. It provides London with a high level of protection from tidal flooding and with normal care and maintenance should continue to do so until at least the latter half of this century. Even then, although the Barrier may need to be closed more frequently, it will continue to fulfil its primary function. This conclusion was confirmed in the Environment Agency's latest annual review in November 2001.
The Environment Agency is currently developing its Thames tidal defence strategy for the next one hundred years, with several studies already in progress.