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Flood and Water Management Bill

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that explanation and for the development of the thinking behind this clause. The water section of the Bill has indeed been somewhat reduced because of the truncated time available in this shorter Session of Parliament to bring legislation forward. It is useful to know that the Government take the view that there is ongoing discussion to be had on this subject, which is very important. Not just horticulture but business in general has learnt the importance of preserving and safeguarding water. It is certainly true that householders, too, have learnt the lessons of the summer of 2006. In some ways, the informal arrangements that people have made to collect their water in butts are probably the most effective things that they could do. I am grateful for the Minister’s explanation and the seriousness with which he has taken what was, after all, a probe on this clause. I thank him for that. Clause 36 agreed. Clause 37 agreed. Clause 38 : Incidental flooding or coastal erosion: Environment Agency Clause 38 : Incidental flooding or coastal erosion: Environment Agency Debate on whether Clause 38 should stand part of the Bill.