§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions there have been within the last six months between the Environment Agency and the insurance industry on the relationship between flood defence provision and the continuation of insurance cover for property owners against the risk of flooding. [89628]
§ Margaret BeckettThere has been regular discussion between the Environment Agency and the insurance industry on this subject during the last six months, which contributed to the announcement in September 2002 by the Association of British Insurers of their Statement of Principle, and there has subsequently been a continuing dialogue between the ABI and the EA on the information to be provided.