Written question asked by Alex Cunningham (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 March 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 March 2016. It was answered by Rory Stewart (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 March 2016 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dredging

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 February 2016 to Question 27063, what steps she plans to take to ensure oversight mechanisms are put in place when further powers to dredge watercourses are extended to farmers.

Answer: The draft Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2016 include conditions that must be followed by those wishing to undertake dredging under an exemption. If works are not undertaken according to the relevant conditions, then the Environment Agency will be able to take enforcement action. This includes suspension notices to stop any further works being carried out, enforcement and remediation notices requiring remediation within a specified period, and the power to prosecute.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 29207
Session: 2015-16
Related items: Dredging
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Flood control Farmers Powers Dredging
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk