Flood Defences
Oral Answers to Questions — Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
House of Commons debates, 29 October 2009, 10:30 am
Evan Harris (Oxford West & Abingdon, Liberal Democrat)
What resources are planned to be made available for the provision of flood defences in (a) west Oxford and (b) Abingdon.
Hilary Benn (Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Leeds Central, Labour)
As well as continuing its annual programme of maintenance for the main rivers in Oxford, West and Abingdon to manage flood risk, the Environment Agency is nearing the completion of a £1.8 million programme of short-term measures for Oxford, and is developing the long-term Oxford flood risk management strategy, which is currently out for consultation. A study on the River Stert in Abingdon is also taking place to identify options to alleviate flooding.
Evan Harris (Oxford West & Abingdon, Liberal Democrat)
As the Secretary of State will know, both west Oxford and Abingdon were badly affected. My constituents appreciated his visit during the floods, and I recognise the work that has been done, but will he agree to meet members of the flood action group and me, with the Environment Agency, so that those people can be reassured that progress will be made before the next flood—which will happen?
Hilary Benn (Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Leeds Central, Labour)
I should be very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman and his group.