Written question asked by David Lidington (Conservative) on Thursday, 13 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 March 2003. It was answered by Baroness Beckett (Labour) on Monday, 31 March 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the risk to the Norfolk Broads as a result of coastal erosion in the Happisburgh area.

Answer: Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the risk to the Norfolk Broads as a result of coastal erosion in the Happisburgh area. [103778] Margaret Beckett: Responsibility for assessing such risks rests with the local operating authorities. The Environment Agency has sea defence responsibility for the length of coastline from Cart Gap, Eccles to Winterton, which fronts the low lying hinterland including the Norfolk Broads. North Norfolk district council has coast protection responsibility for the cliffs at Happisburgh. There is some concern abut the risk of a breach in the frontage at Cart Gap as a result of cliff erosion, but both operating authorities judge that such a risk is not expected for at least 15 to 20 years. Both authorities are keeping the position under review, and the Council monitors the rate of erosion monthly.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 103778; 402 c498W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Coastal areas Coastal erosion Flood control Protection Norfolk Risk assessment Norfolk and Suffolk Broads
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk