To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what the (a) pre-construction budget and (b) outturn cost of each major flood defence project was since 1997; and if he will make a statement; (207914)

[holding answer 2 June 2008]: I regret that it is not possible to provide the information requested in the usual timescale. I shall write as soon as possible and a copy of my reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House.