Flooding

Jessica Lee Excerpts
Monday 26th November 2012

(12 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Owen Paterson Portrait Mr Paterson
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I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving me the chance to clarify this. The national planning policy framework is absolutely clear that development should be located away from flood risk wherever possible.

Jessica Lee Portrait Jessica Lee (Erewash) (Con)
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that one of the consequences of the current flooding is the impact on transport links? The train I took to London last night was slightly delayed due to flooding, but severe disruption in the east midlands followed. Will he confirm that he is of course liaising with colleagues in the Department for Transport on the matter?

Owen Paterson Portrait Mr Paterson
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I am happy to confirm that at official level we are working and talking with Department for Transport officials on a daily basis. One of the first calls I made after leaving Taunton today was to the Secretary of State for Transport, who had already been on the case to get the Exeter line reopened. We hope to see services resume tomorrow.