HC Deb 15 July 1902 vol 111 cc238-9
SIR. JOHN LENG (Dundee)

To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether the Ordnance Survey Department is in possession of maps showing the extent of the coast † See preceding volume, p. 1376. of the East Riding of Yorkshire in or prior to the reign of Henry VIII.; whether there is any record of the acreage of land and the number of townships which during the last century have fallen into the sea; whether, seeing that the erosion of the coast near Spurn Head has compelled the removal of the Spurn Lighthouse, the Humber Conservancy has taken or proposes to take any measures for arresting the changes affecting the navigation of the mouth of the Humber.

(Answer.) I am informed by the Ordnance Survey Department that the answers to the first and second paragraphs of the hon. Member's Question are in the negative. I am also informed that the Spurn Lighthouse was removed in consequence of defects in the old structure and not in consequence of the erosion of the coast. The Board of Trade, with the assistance of their technical advisers, carefully watch the position of matters at Spurn Point in order that any possible steps may be taken to guard against the inroads of the sea. I may mention that one of the professional officers of the Department had already arranged to visit Kilnsea, at the upper end of Spurn Point, during the coming week.— (Board of Trade.)