More should be done to reassure people at risk of flooding they will continue to be able to insure their homes and businesses, an MP has said.

The call, by Lewes MP Norman Baker, came as floods minister Elliot Morley was quizzed on the so-called gentleman's agreement with the insurance industry.

The deal, brokered after the floods of autumn 2000 to ensure cover against flooding was retained, runs out later this year and residents of towns such as Lewes fear they will not be able to secure insurance if the Government does not act.

Mr Morley told MPs on the all-party group on flood prevention he was meeting the Association of British Insurers in the autumn to discuss the problem.

Mr Baker said: "Many people in my constituency have had their lives blighted by floods and now face the prospect of living without insurance."