HC Deb 07 June 1928 vol 218 cc336-7
46. Sir R. THOMAS

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has inquired further into the question of the Towyn Trewan foreshore, Anglesey; whether he has now substantiated the fact that the public has from time immemorial enjoyed the privilege of carting gravel from this place; and whether, seeing that building operations in this locality are dependent upon this right, he is prepared to determine the lease of the present lessee of the foreshore, to release him from his obligation not to allow the carting of gravel, and to grant a new lease of the foreshore to the conservators of the common?

Mr. GUINNESS

This matter has been carefully investigated on the spot, and I am satisfied that considerable quantities of shingle have from time to time been removed from the foreshore. Such removals took place without authority and have caused, and are causing, serious erosion of the coast. I am advised that for the protection of the adjoining land it is necessary to prohibit the removal of any more shingle. In the circumstances I am not prepared to take the action suggested in the last part of the question.

Sir R. THOMAS

Will the Minister of Agriculture say why he is not willing to transfer the lease to the conservators who are the most competent people to judge on the spot?

Mr. GUINNESS

In view of the hon. Baronet's representations, I arranged for the visit of the chief drainage engineer of the Ministry, and his advice fully reinforces and confirms the advice which I myself had previously received from the locality that in the general interests of the community the removal of this material must be stopped.

Sir R. THOMAS

Did that particular expert to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred give any reason as to why the lease should not be given to the Conservators?

Mr. GUINNESS

To transfer the lease to the Conservators would only increase the damage which is being caused by the removal of the shingle.

Sir R. THOMAS

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to cast an aspersion upon those gentlemen who are conservators?

Mr. GUINNESS

No, but I beg to differ from them.

Sir R. THOMAS

I think the reply is perfectly disgraceful.