To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what changes he has made to future expenditure plans to meet the threat to the UK of flooding from global warming. (260900)

The Government are committed to effective management of flood and coastal erosion risk. Spending across central and local government has increased from £307 million in 1996-97 to some £650 million this year and will total £2.15 billion over three years to 2010-11.

As announced in the 2008 Pre Budget Report, £20 million has been brought forward from 2010-11 into 2009-10 as part of the fiscal stimulation package, which will mean earlier protection for 27,000 homes.