§ 56. Mr. BRACEasked the President of the Board of Trade if his inspectors have conducted an inquiry into the taking of gravel from the beach at Porthcawl; if, since the question was brought to the attention of his Department, 8,000 tons of gravel have been taken by a trading company from the Porthcawl beach; when the Report from the Board of Trade may be expected upon this subject; if it is the intention of the Board to prevent this damage to Porthcawl as a seaside resort being continued; and, if not, will he say why this is not to be done?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)Yes, Sir, an inquiry has taken place, and the report of the officer who held it is now receiving my most careful consideration. The removal of gravel is on a large scale—about 600 or 700 tons weekly—but, as was explained yesterday in answer to a question by the Noble Lord the Member for Cardiff, this removal takes place on private property above the line of high water. I will send a further communication to my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so. Meanwhile, if my hon. Friend cares to call at the Board of Trade, the solicitor will be glad to explain the position further to him.