Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 July 2005. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 July 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Cod Beck

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to speed up the proposed en-maining of the Cod Beck and bring it under the Main Rivers category.

Answer: Hambledon district council, have recently completed a feasibility study for a flood risk improvement scheme for Thirsk. The Environment Agency is working with my officials and the council to determine the most appropriate way of promoting such works.Cod Beck is one of the watercourses for which we plan to transfer responsibility to the Environment Agency on 1 April 2006. If the current classification of the watercourse creates difficulties in proceeding with a possible scheme we shall be prepared to consider bringing forward the proposed transfer date.

Secondary information