I am pleased that the Select Committee will examine the recent floods. I wonder whether attention might be given to:

1.  the role of highway authorities and the adequacy of the surface water drainage system; whether maintenance has been adequate; the need for further investment and the possibility of new systems such as sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) and the factors that restrain their development.

2.  the responsibilities of riparian owners; their awareness of these responsibilities and how the profile can be raised.

3.  responsibility for bringing forward improved flood proposals in villages where the water course has not been designated to the Environment Agency. Lambley in Nottinghamshire has been flooded repeatedly recently. The Environment Agency is not responsible for the watercourses and the Borough and County Councils are reluctant to bring forward proposals.

Paddy Tipping MP

Sherwood

August 2007