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Flood and Water Management Bill

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his reply to my amendment. I realise that what I am proposing is possible in the current circumstances and after the Bill has gone through. However, I believe that if a clause gives examples of things that might be done in the course of flood risk management, some reference to soft flood defence mechanisms would be beneficial. All too often, engineers revert to their old training, work in a framework in which they feel comfortable and in which they understand the risks involved and go for the concrete solution. I realise the proposition I put forward is only an example of soft defence mechanisms, but some mention of them would be beneficial. I hope that the Government will give some thought to the views put forward in this debate. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 1 withdrawn. Amendment 2 not moved. Clause 3 agreed. Clause 4 : "Flood risk management function" Amendment 3 Clause 4 : "Flood risk management function" Amendment 3 Moved by