To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on the implication of the new funding arrangements for the European Rural Development Fund on (a) flood defences overall, (b) the Thirsk Flood Alleviation Scheme and (c) coastal flood defences in Filey. (134016)

Flood defence expenditure is generally not covered by the Rural Development Programme for England. Funding for flood defence is a matter for the Environment Agency (EA).

The Rural Development Programme for England provides funding to safeguard and enhance our rural environment and to foster competitive and sustainable businesses and thriving rural communities. There is some limited funding available under the Environmental Stewardship Scheme for the creation of wildlife habitats which may also have flood risk management benefits.

It is not possible for the EA to apply for funding from this programme to fund flood defence works at Thirsk and Filey.