To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Environment Agency about revising their flood risk assessment models; and if he will make a statement. (147433)

My predecessor met with the chief executive and the head of flood risk management at the Environment Agency on 28 June and visited areas affected by the recent flooding. Risk assessment issues and the protection of vulnerable communities were discussed.

My Department works closely with the Environment Agency on improving assessment models through joint research and development work.