Lewes MP Norman Baker has been elected vice-chairman of a new Westminster flood action group.

The Liberal Democrat used the first meeting of the all-party group to put Floods Minister Elliot Morley on the spot about fears householders in his constituency could be left without insurance.

One insurer, Esure, has already stated it will not insure homes at risk of flooding and there are fears others may follow suit.

Mr Baker said his constituents were "jittery" at the prospect of the two-year agreement with the Association of British Insurers running out at the end of this year, with no sign of an extension.

The agreement guarantees the continuation of cover homeowners who had insurance prior to the autumn 2000 floods.

The MP also raised the plight of those not covered by the agreement.

He said people moving into the area after flooding often found they could not get insurance or were forced to pay "ridiculous" prices.

Mr Morley indicated he was to meet representatives of the ABI in the autumn to discuss extending the scheme.