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Flood and Water Management Bill

Of course it does, but the difference is that the Environment Agency is charged with the national strategy. Clearly, that national strategy is not possible without the water boards having a clear relationship to that strategy and recognition of it, but they are governed by a different regulatory authority: Ofwat. Within that framework, their obligations are defined in those terms. I do not suggest for one moment that the water boards will not have regard to the local strategies; they are bound to do that; that is an important part of their work. I emphasise that the national strategy is not as determinant as my noble friend hints at in his question. The national strategy will not define activities in a particular location. That is what we want left to the local risk management authorities. I think that that is the burden of the amendments tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Taylor, and his general approach, and a point that the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, recognised that the Bill accepts. We will not be prescriptive on activities in a location, only the broad approaches and principles which should be followed. That is rather different from the statutory regime which governs the water authorities. I hope that my noble friend will accept that point.