---

Flood and Water Management Bill

The right hon. Gentleman makes an eloquent point. The spirit of it is exactly right. It underlines the risk of endlessly creating more and more bureaucracy and responsibility. Some of it may be welcome, but if it is allowed to grow without restraint, we may find that the practical result is less flood defence, not more. New clause 20 and amendments 24, 25, 27 and 26, which were eloquently spoken to by my honourable neighbour, the hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew), reflect the reality of the situation—fire and rescue authorities play a critical role in the management of such emergencies and in flood risk management. In Gloucestershire in 2007, the close liaison between fire and rescue authorities and the other gold command agencies was critical in ensuring a more positive outcome for the people of Gloucestershire than we would otherwise have had. I am happy to join in the tributes to Gloucestershire and to other fire and rescue authorities for the work that they have done in response to the flooding.