Written question asked by Mark Tami (Labour) on Thursday, 27 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 February 2005. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 3 February 2005 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, what preparations her Department has made for the possibility of the UK being struck by a tidal wave.

Answer: Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what preparations her Department has made for the possibility of the UK being struck by a tidal wave. [211887] Mr. Morley: Contingency plans at the local, regional and national levels for flooding from rivers or the sea and caused by tide and weather events are already in place. In the light of recent events, and subject to current investigations being led by the Office of Science and Technology, we plan to commission a short-term expert overview of the chances of a tsunami-type event affecting coastal areas of the UK. This will provide information on the likelihood of such events impacting on the UK, possible consequences and the potential for effective preparation and warning.

Secondary information