Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by David Drew (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 26 February 2009 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

EU Floods Directive

Question: My right hon. Friend was very helpful at the time of the floods in July 2007, but we were also promised some EU funding for some of the measures that we need to put in place. It would be useful to know what money we have received from the EU and how it can be taken forward in respect of the floods and water Bill. The sooner we get that Bill in place, the better.

Answer: The question of EU funding to support the recovery effort was dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. As I indicated in answer to the first question, we are significantly increasing the investment in providing defence. It is important that we do that, because it gives us the opportunity to provide more flood protection. Each scheme has to be assessed against criteria. Not all of them can go ahead, but the best thing that we can do is ensure that more money is available.

Secondary information