§ 41. Mr. HAYDN JONESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been directed to the loss caused by tides and storms to public and other property on the sea coasts of the Kingdom; whether he is aware that many local authorities are unable to provide the funds necessary to protect property from sea erosion owing to the heavy burden of local rates; and whether he will take steps to have the question 377 further considered in view of the fact that no inquiry has been made into this matter since 1911?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Herbert Williams)I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 5th March to the hon. Member for Anglesey (Sir R. Thomas), a copy of which I am sending him.
§ Mr. JONESIf I give the hon. Gentleman particulars, will he undertake to have an inquiry into the matter?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI cannot give an undertaking with regard to an inquiry, but I shall be very glad to look into the matter if the hon. Member cares to give me particulars.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERCannot the hon. Gentleman state definitely whether the Board of Trade have taken steps to increase their works against coast erosion?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI am not quite certain what the hon. Gentleman means by the Board of Trade's own works. Most coast erosion works are the duty of the local authorities.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that conditions have altered considerably since 1911?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI daresay some changes have occurred. I shall be glad to receive information from the hon. and gallant Gentleman.