Written question asked by Helen Clark (Labour) on Thursday, 17 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 November 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 4 November 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how she will ensure that transposition of the EC Water Framework Directive in England and Wales will contribute to the mitigation of floods and droughts.

Answer: Mrs. Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how she will ensure that transposition of the Water Framework Directive in England and Wales will contribute to the mitigation of floods and droughts. [76384] Mr. Morley: The Directive is concerned with achieving water quality objectives (article 4). While it does not set objectives for flood and drought mitigation, the overall effect of the actions to protect and improve water quality required by the Directive will contribute to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts (article 1(e)). Draft regulations to transpose the Directive, including articles 1 and 4 will be included in a consultation paper to be published next year. In addition, my Department will be working closely with the Environment Agency and others to ensure appropriate links are made between river basin management and flood risk management planning.

Secondary information