HC Deb 07 November 1912 vol 43 cc1439-40
54. Mr. NEWTON

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that upwards of twelve months ago he stated that the Board of Trade were then considering and hoped to be able to introduce before long a Bill to carry out the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Coast Erosion; that in June last the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade stated that a Bill dealing with this subject was then being prepared, and further that schemes of sea defence works involving the expenditure of many thousands of pounds in wages to labour are being held up pending the introduction of this Bill, and in addition that the inroads of the sea are still continuing; whether, under these circumstances, he will now state when the Bill in question will be introduced; and, as a guide to the local authorities affected, whether the Bill will be such as to assist local authorities to carry out schemes of sea defence?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. J. M. Robertson)

The Prime Minister has requested the Board of Trade to reply to this question. The Board have a draft Bill under consideration, but it is not yet in a form in which it can be introduced. There is, I fear, no prospect of making any progress in the matter during the present Session.

Mr. NEWTON

Will the hon. Gentleman, bearing in mind that this Bill was promised thirteen months ago, now see that an effort will be made by the Government to introduce the Bill at the very earliest possible moment?

Mr. ROBERTSON

Under the qualification of what I have said that there is no prospect of its being done in the present Session.

Mr. NEWTON

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether local authorities, which are necessarily holding up work, may consult him and be given advice as to whether it is worth while waiting or not?

Mr. ROBERTSON

Any communication addressed to the Board of Trade will receive careful consideration.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

May I ask whether the Board of Trade will refer the matter to the Development Commissioners, and whether they have been asked to consider any proposals as to schemes for protecting the coast?

Mr. ROBERTSON

I would ask the hon. Member to give notice of the question.