§ 57. Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Commissioners of Crown Lands have recently refused to assent to the removal of beach material from the Towyn Trewan foreshore, Anglesey; that this decision is calculated to aggravate unemployment and to cause loss to the people of the district, who have no other place from which to cart gravel; and that, in the opinion of the oldest inhabitants, no erosion occurs or is likely to occur along this stretch; and whether he will accordingly look into this matter?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)The foreshore in question is leased to the owner of adjoining land, who covenants by his lease not to remove or permit to be removed any materials from the foreshore. I under- 1899 stand that in accordance with this condition the lessee has recently prohibited the removal of gravel by a local builder. For several years prior to the grant of the lease representations, supported by conclusive evidence, were made to the Commissioners that the removal of gravel and sand from this foreshore was causing rapid and serious erosion. The Commissioners have recently again consulted His Majesty's coastguard, who reported on 31st March last that no material, even to a limited extent, could be removed from the foreshore without injury to the adjoining land. I regret, therefore, that I can hold out no hope of the prohibition being withdrawn.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this common is under the management of a board of conservators, elected by the parishes adjoining the common; and did the right hon. Gentleman or his assistants consult this board before taking the action which they have taken?
§ Mr. GUINNESSI am not sure if we consulted the board to which the hon. Gentleman refers. We have done our best to get expert advice. I will go into the matter again and see if we have got the full information.
§ Sir R. THOMASDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that this is a very serious matter having regard to the fact that building operations in that particular area are being held up owing to the fact that gravel cannot be obtained anywhere else, and that gravel has been obtained from this spot from time immemorial?
§ Mr. GUINNESSIt may be owing to that fact that coast erosion has become so serious there.
§ Sir R. THOMASDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is far more important to avoid the erosion of the inhabitants of the district?