Member

On flooding, I will be brief as there is a later amendment on this subject in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Walmsley. It suffices to say here that the underground learning centre will be very close to the Thames and the Thames river wall. There is also a serious risk of fire in a totally underground facility, as the noble Baroness, Lady Finlay, pointed out in her evidence to the Lords Select Committee. It is unclear how, in the event of a fire or, indeed, of flooding, people would escape from these underground chambers. Serious flooding, because of the role of the Thames Barrier in preventing floods, may mean that the risk is lower than sometimes is claimed, and I do not want to pretend otherwise. However, a flood that breaches the aged Thames river wall would take place at a much lower level and above the level of the park. It would quickly inundate the learning centre and trap those inside, leading to them drowning.