Written question asked by David Lidington (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 January 2003. It was answered by Baroness Beckett (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 January 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 the Government's original target date was for the completion of the National Food and Coastal Protection Database; what the target is now; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the Government's original target date was for the completion of the National Flood and Coastal Protection Database; what the target is now; and if she will make a statement. [89681] Margaret Beckett: The original target date for the completion of the National Flood and Coastal Defence Database (NFCDD) was 1 September 2000. However, early analysis indicated this was not achievable. Subsequently, the delivery has proved more complex than originally envisaged, and it is currently being installed at EA sites. The revised date for delivery of Phases One and Two is now June 2003. Positive steps have been taken to provide analysis and results required for other purposes in parallel with the database development to minimise the impacts of the delays.

Secondary information