HC Deb 29 April 1908 vol 187 cc1243-4
MR. STANLEY WILSON (Yorkshire, E.R., Holderness)

In the unfortunate absence of the President of the Board of Trade I beg to ask the Parliamentary Secretary of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the state of affairs at Easington and Kilnsea, East Yorks, has become so serious that the question of defending this narrow neck of land from the inroads of the sea is no longer one for the local landowner; whether he is aware that at the present time at spring tides, the high road is flooded to a considerable depth, and that the village of Kilnsea and the Government lighthouse at the Spurn are isolated, and that if the sea makes a breach through the Humber bank these places will be completely isolated and probably eventually destroyed: and whether, under these circumstances, he can now see his way to defending the navigable channel of the Humber and the Spurn from these dangers.

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. KEARLEY,) Devonport

As I have already informed the hon. Member, the protection of the lowlands at Easington and Kilnsea is a duty primarily devolving upon the owners of the lands liable to be flooded, and the local Commissioners of Sewers, and the Board of Trade will be prepared to give careful consideration to any proposals they may make. I understand that by reason of the sea banks not having been repaired the sea flows over these low lying lands at spring tides, and the road to Kilnsea and the Spurn is at such times subject to flooding, but I am advised that the formation of a channel through the neck of land in question is somewhat improbable. It is proposed, however, to obtain a further report as to whether any additional steps are necessary for the protection of the Spurn. The Royal Commission on Coast Erosion, of which the hon. Member is a member, have, I understand, visited the locality and investigated the question, but have made no interim report or recommendation.

MR. STANLEY WILSON

Will the hon. Gentleman lay on the Table of the House a copy of the report laid before the Board of Trade by Sir William Matthew and Captain Fredericks?

MR. KEARLEY

I think it has already been before the Royal Commission. I will consider the point.

MR. STANLEY WILSON

When is this further inquiry to take place?

MR. KEARLEY

Immediately.