asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what request he has received and what action he has taken to any request from the London borough of Newham in respect of the design of flood defences at Victoria Gardens, North Woolwich.

Consultations about the design of flood defences at Victoria Gardens, North Woolwich have been taking place between the London borough of Newham and the Greater London Council, which is responsible for carrying out work as part of the Thames tidal flood protection scheme. Officials of my Department, which is responsible for grant-aiding such work, have examined the various designs proposed and have agreed with the Greater London Council that the additional expense of the design favoured by the Newham council cannot be justified.