To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make it his policy to ensure that (a) sites of special scientific interest and (b) important wildlife habitats are not destroyed by the implementation of Environment Agency plans to flood areas in the Thames estuary. (224626)

The Environment Agency is required by law to protect the environment and promote conservation. The conservation and enhancement of Thames estuary habitats and species are key objectives of the Thames Estuary 2100 (TE2100) project.

Throughout the development of the TE2100 plan the Environment Agency has been in close dialogue with Natural England to ensure the plan is compliant with UK and EU wildlife legislation. Full details of how the wildlife and species of the Thames estuary have been considered in relation to future flood risk management will be contained in the TE2100 consultation plan due to be launched in spring 2009.