To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans she has to provide additional funding to help meet the costs resulting from the recent floods in Devon and Cornwall.

Local authorities that have incurred an exceptional financial burden as a consequence of the recent flooding events can apply to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment for activation of the Bellwin scheme of emergency financial assistance. Each case is considered on its merits.Grant aid is available to local authorities and the National Rivers Authority from the Ministry for new and improved flood defence works. Grant provision has increased in recent years and priority is given to flood warning and urban flood and sea defence works.