To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will take steps to give greater weight in the higher level scheme to land management measures that would reduce the risk to communities from flooding. (150760)

There is funding available under the higher level scheme for the creation of wildlife habitats which may also have flood risk management benefits. My officials are currently reviewing the progress of environmental stewardship to see whether the scheme is on course to meet its environmental outcomes. In particular the review will consider how the scheme can mitigate the effects of climate change which may have a bearing on flood management issues.