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Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Dr. Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultations she has undertaken in the last 12 months and with whom, concerning flood control and prevention measures, with particular reference to the recent flooding of Boscastle. [198945] Mr. Morley: The Department regularly consults on proposed policy changes, both publicly and in more focused ways through, for example, our Flood Management Stakeholder Forum. The most recent public consultation, to inform development of the Government's new Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management, completed on 1 November. The Environment Agency is the principle flood defence operating authority in England and Wales responsible for delivering the flood defence service. Since the severe flooding in Boscastle, the Agency has consulted with individual residents and landowners, North Cornwall District Council (NCDC), the National Trust (who are major landowners in Boscastle and the Valency catchment), the Parish Council and the local County Councillor. This consultation included meetings with residents in the village hall, the use of a drop-in centre to collect flood information, off-site meetings with the National Trust and attendance at the Regeneration Group established by NCDC. In addition, on-site meetings have been held with individual residents and landowners where required. All discussions were confirmed in writing and plans/drawings of proposed work have been produced. Newsletters have also been produced and information has been placed on the NCDC website. The Environment Agency used its emergency powers at Marine Terrace (on the River Jordan) where it is necessary to progress the most urgent work without delay. In doing so, the Agency has worked closely with residents and the local planning authority. Elsewhere in Boscastle, work is being done in accordance with normal consultation and procedures. The Agency will continue to consult as appropriate, aiming to meet the challenging target set by the community of certain elements of work being completed before the 2005 holiday season.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

198945; 426 c2019-20W;426 c2025-6W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Cornwall Flood control Public participation Natural disasters

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk