To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what cost benefit analysis his Department has commissioned on the building and maintenance of coastal defences for Norfolk; and if he will make a statement. (233421)

DEFRA is funding the development of revised Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) covering the English coastline. There are three SMPs for the Norfolk coast, which are currently being prepared by the Environment Agency and local authorities. These plans will present the suggested long term management policies for the coast. They include a broad assessment of the economic viability of these policies.

In the event that the Environment Agency or local authority request national funding for strategies and works to implement coastal policies, a detailed cost benefit analysis must be undertaken that demonstrates best value for money.