Sunday, November 18, 2012

Ros in the Lords: Oral Question - Flooding: Defence Programme

Part of the life of a backbench Peer is to step in where a Liberal Democrat voice is required and, Ros being a team player, she is often able to oblige. In this instance, the issue is one of relevance after this spring's flooding in Needham Market...

1 November

Baroness Quin

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have plans to reassess the flood defence programme.

Baroness Scott of Needham Market

Is the noble Lord able to update the House on the progress of talks which were being held with the insurance industry as there are now many thousands of households that face the problem of living in properties that are virtually uninsurable at prices that they can afford to pay?

Lord de Mauley (Whip, House of Lords; Conservative)

My Lords, we want to reach an agreement that ensures both the availability and affordability of flood insurance. We are in intense but constructive negotiations with the industry and further announcements will be made in due course after more discussions with it and other relevant parties.

Of course, the sensible solution would be not to build any more houses on flood plains, but the impact of climate change is beginning to uncover cases where houses were built in areas which were not perceived to be at risk at the time they were built.

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