HC Deb 03 April 2003 vol 402 cc797-8W
23. Patrick Mercer

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the public money made available to fund flood protection in rural areas. [106706]

Mr. Morley

Defra provides grant aid on capital flood and coastal defence projects that meet specified criteria and an appropriate priority score but decisions regarding which projects to promote and their timing rest with operating authorities. The Government's provision overall is set to rise to £564 million in 2005–06 but provision is not made within this specifically for rural areas.