Flooding (North Yorkshire)

Question: The Minister will be aware that the flood damage not only caused devastation in villages in the Vale of York but affected properties in Thirsk that were flooded less that four years ago. Will the hon. Gentleman bring forward the flood alleviation scheme for Thirsk? As regards properties such as the dental practice that has been told that it is simply uninsurable, what help can the Department give with the insurance industry?

Answer: Again, I express my condolences to people who are affected in Thirsk. The hon. Lady and the hon. Member for Rydale (Mr. Greenway) have asked to have a meeting with me, and I shall be only too pleased to arrange that. We will then be able to discuss some of these matters in more detail. The schemes are brought forward not by DEFRA but by either local authorities or the regional flood committees. I understand that there are proposals for a scheme in Thirsk, and I shall be happy to discuss that in more detail.

Secondary information