To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to deal with the aftermath of the recent storms in Scotland; and what money will be made available to local councils to prevent similar damage occurring again.

On 8 January, in response to the severe storms of the weekend of 5–6 January in the west of Scotland, my right hon. Friend triggered a scheme of special financial assistance, known as the Bellwin scheme, in support of all local authorities in the area.The scheme is designed to assist authorities financially in their response to the storms and the task of returning matters to normality. My Department has sent a circular to all the relevant local authorities setting out the details. Any eligible costs which authorities incur up to 8 March will be considered for assistance and I shall, of course, be as sympathetic as I can within the rules of the scheme.Longer term prevention plans are a matter for individual local authorities and should be included in their forward financial plans for capital expenditure. Capital expenditure on flood prevention and coast expenditure comes within the provision for water and sewerage, which has been substantially increased. Local authorities have scope to undertake flood prevention and coast protection measures if they so wish.