To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many flood engineers are employed by the Environment Agency; and how many vacancies for flood engineers there are at the Environment Agency. (241297)

The Environment Agency estimates that it employs around 200 chartered and incorporated engineers with experience in flood and coastal risk management. The Environment Agency has 64 vacancies in engineering posts. It is recruiting to fill 20 posts and will start recruiting for the remaining 44 posts in the new year.