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Windsor MP Calls for
Flood Protection for Lower Thames Area
24-Jul-07, Press Release.
Adam Afriyie MP has called on
the Secretary of State for the Environment to re-examine the
scheme to protect the lower Thames area from flooding.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Afriyie said that
whilst the Jubilee River protects Maidenhead from severe
flooding, the water is channelled downstream and flooding
can still be caused in areas such as Old Windsor, Datchet
and Wraysbury.
The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP,
Secretary of State for the Environment acknowledged the
knock-on effect of the Jubilee River but did not give any
firm commitment to residents that he would prioritise flood
protection for the lower Thames area.
Speaking after the debate Mr
Afriyie said:
“I was disappointed not to get
a firm commitment from the government that the proposed
flood defence scheme for the lower Thames area will go
ahead.
“Residents in the areas which
were so badly flooded in 2003 are still feeling the effects
and I am determined to fight for them to be able to enjoy
their homes and run their businesses without an ever-present
fear of flood damage.”
End
Contact Details:
Adam Afriyie MP
Telephone: 0207 219 8023
Email:
afriyiea@parliament.uk
Notes to Editors
1. Link to Hansard:
http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtoday/cmdebate/06.htm#spkr_2
2. Full text of
question and answer:
Adam
Afriyie:
My constituency is located further downstream and,
unusually, the peak flows are expected in 48 to 72 hours in
areas such as Datchet, Horton, Wraysbury and Old Windsor.
The Jubilee river has protected Maidenhead, but channelled
the water further down. Given that the Environment Agency
has said that it needs £1 billion to deal with flood
defences in the UK, and that it does not quite have that
budget, I seek the Secretary of State’s assurance that he
will re-examine the vital lower Thames protection scheme.
Hilary Benn:
The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Environment Agency
has a process through which the priority of schemes is
determined, and that the formula is currently under review.
The Jubilee river has done its work, but I acknowledge that
it protects one part of the area rather than elsewhere. That
shows how interrelated the movement of water is and that
protecting one area can have a knock-on consequence further
down the line. On the question of funding, the £1 billion a
year was a sum that resulted from a foresight study looking
ahead over the rest of the century. If my memory serves me
correctly, I think that the case was that we should be
working towards the £1 billion a year by 2024. The House
will be aware that we will already have got to £800 million
by 2010–11—13 years earlier. |
I
believe
People are happier
when making their own decisions.
Business is the
engine of the economy that generates our jobs, incomes and
taxes.
Government should
not interfere in our lives beyond protecting and defending
us.
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