Written question asked by Lord Marlesford (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bach (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 March 2006.

Floods

Question: Whether a European Union directive on flood control is needed; and whether they have considered non-legislative co-operation as an alternative.

Answer: For our own purposes, the UK would have preferred to continue and strengthen existing non-legislative co-operation on flood management, and has argued the case for this over some years. However, a significant number of other member states view Community legislative underpinning as very helpful to their circumstances, particularly in relation to river basins that cross national boundaries, and all other member states can accept legislation. The European Commission published a draft directive on 20 January 2006 which is now under negotiation. We will seek to limit its scope to trans-boundary waters, which is where the particular problem requiring Community action has been identified, and to ensure that in any case its provisions are targeted, flexible, proportionate and workable.

Secondary information