To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 13 January 2009, Official Report, columns 612-13W, on water companies: flood control, what powers local authorities will have in circumstances where water companies do not co-operate, share information or take action which an authority considers to be necessary. (249747)

This issue is being considered as part of the forthcoming draft Floods and Water Bill, due to be published in spring 2009.