| Previous Section | Back to Table of Contents | Lords Hansard Home Page |
The Sea Fisheries Committee(s) (SFCs) is the committee responsible for the management and conservation of fisheries in England and Wales, within a radius of six nautical miles. The SFCs are part of the local authority and undertake their own enforcement action. Defra does not hold the information requested.
Roads: A13
Lord Marlesford asked Her Majesty's Government:
On what date the Highways Agency last inspected the cleanliness of the A13 trunk road between the M25 and the A130; and whether the agency's managing agents will take action to have the litter cleared from that stretch of road. [HL1664]
Lord Bassam of Brighton: The Highways Agency has responsibility for the section of the A13 between M25 and A1089. The remainder of the A13 up to the A130, which is not trunk road, is the responsibility of Thurrock Council and Essex County Council. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 litter clearance is the responsibility of the local authorities except for motorways and a few all-purpose trunk roads. For the Highways Agency section of the A13 the responsibility for litter clearance falls to Thurrock Council.
The agency monitors its roads for litter as part of its route stewardship and brings issues to the
6 Feb 2008 : Column WA194
Terrorism: Northern Ireland
Lord Kilclooney asked Her Majesty's Government:
Lord Rooker: The security situation in Northern Ireland has vastly improved in recent years. However, the serious attacks on two PSNI officers last year and the recent decision by the chief constable to alert the public to an increased risk of terrorist activity highlight the continued threat posed by a small number of individuals. I have every confidence in the PSNI's ability to combat the threat posed by these individuals. The PSNI work tirelessly to thwart the activities of all those involved in criminal activity in Northern Ireland and bring them to justice for their crimes.
Northern Ireland now has a successful devolved administration with a focus on improving life for all the people of Northern Ireland. This future must include engagement with the IICD by all paramilitary organisations and paramilitary activity.
Thames Barrier
The Earl of Caithness asked Her Majesty's Government:
In the light of the possible rise of sea levels, what is the expected life span of the Thames Barrier; what plans they have to replace or alter the Barrier; and when any such replacement or alteration will happen. [HL1465]
The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Rooker): The Environment Agency is currently undertaking its “Thames Estuary 2100” project to deliver a flood risk management plan for the tidal Thames through to the end of the century.
It will recommend what will be required to manage increasing flood risk, and when it will be required, depending on the impacts of climate change. An assessment of the current estuary defences, including the Thames Barrier, and the options for future flood risk management will be included in this research.
The project is due to report its recommendations to the Government at the end of 2009. Findings currently indicate that the tidal defences provide a better standard of protection than previously understood and so are unlikely to require any major changes until after 2030. Under the Government's current climate change guidance for future sea level rise the Thames Barrier, with some modification, may even continue to provide protection to London through to the end of the century.
| Back to Table of Contents | Lords Hansard Home Page |