Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 22 June 2005 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: Will the Prime Minister join me in extending our sympathy to those who suffered in the devastating floods in North Yorkshire, particularly in Thirsk, Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe and Helmsley in the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Ryedale (Mr. Greenway)? Will the Prime Minister praise the emergency services for their swift response in ensuring that there was no loss of life, but regret the loss of livestock, crops and personal possessions? Will he please dig deep into the coffers of the Government to provide the millions of pounds needed for road repairs, bridge repairs, the clean-up operation and, more especially, the flood alleviation scheme in Thirsk, which might have prevented the damage to Thirsk on this occasion? Will he help North Yorkshire—

Answer: I certainly join the hon. Lady in sympathising with all those who have lost possessions or livestock, or had their homes damaged as a result of the floods on Sunday. I understand that in this case one month's rain fell in two to three hours. In respect of the flood defences, we are investing about £500 million each year in flood and coastal erosion management. That is obviously a huge increase on before. I am sure that the hon. Lady will be able to meet the relevant Ministers to discuss further the things that could be done but, if we look back over the past few years, investment in flood defences has seen a remarkable uplift. I am afraid it is a feature of our current situation that, as a result of changes in our climate, we have to take these measures.

Secondary information