Flood and Coastal Defence Funding Review

HC Deb 15 January 2003 vol 397 cc616-7W

Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what decision has been made on reviewing the project appraisal guidance to ensure that social and environmental issues are addressed following the Flood and Coastal Defence Funding Review; [90813]

(2) what conclusions have been reached concerning the establishment of a minimum standard of flood defence, following the Flood and Coastal Defence Funding Review; [90814]

(3) when the Government's response to the Flood and Coastal Defence Funding Review will be published. [90815]

Mr. Morley

I expect to announce conclusions on the Flood and Coastal Defence Funding Review as soon as possible.

However, the arrangements for prioritising Defra's funding of flood and coastal defence capital works have already been revised to take more specific account of "people" and environmental issues. For schemes considered for approval from April 2003, the priority scores will be based on economics, "people" issues and environmental protection and enhancement.

With regard to a minimum standard of flood defence, we currently operate on the basis of permissive powers, which allows the Environment Agency and other operating authorities to take action where it is considered justifiable against a range of criteria. This allows taxpayers' money to be spent where it is most needed, an approach overwhelmingly supported by respondents to our consultation on the review.