asked the Ministef of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the proportion of the costs of flood prevention works in Kent associated with the Thames flood barrage which are to be paid by central Government, the water authority and frontagers and the corresponding proportions in respect of similar works in London and Essex.

Eligible costs incurred by the Greater London Council and the Anglian, Southern and Thames Water Authorities on downstream flood protection works will attract a Government grant as follows:

GLC and Thames	65 per cent.
Southern	80 per cent.
Anglian	85 per cent.

The balance will be met by the authorities, normally by a land drainage precept on the rates. In calculating the cost qualifying for grant, contributions made by frontagers will be taken into account. The amount of contribution will be for negotiation.