To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which areas of coastline in the Waveney constituency the Environment Agency has assessed as most vulnerable to breaches of sea defence. [17598]

Environment Agency long-term plans indicate a potential need for improved capital defence works at Southwold, Easton Broad and Kessingland to Benacre within the Waveney constituency. Schemes will be promoted if it is technically sound, environmentally acceptable and economically viable to do so, and timing will depend on the Agency's assessment of priorities. In the meanwhile, the Agency will be responsible for maintaining existing defences.