§ 76. Mr. HARRISasked the Minister of Agriculture what are the latest reports from the Board's engineer as to the sea defences at Winchelsea; whether they are strong enough to keep back high tides for the next six months; whether he is aware that if the sea breaks through many hundreds of acres of agricultural land will be damaged; and whether he has yet been able to get the co-operation of the county council in the matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONAs indicated in my reply to the hon. Member's previous question on 1st May, the Ministry's engineer visited the sea defences at Winchelsea on 29th April, and again yesterday with other officials of the Ministry. Work has been carried out by some of the interested bungalow owners, and in the engineer's view this work, if completed, will probably secure the position at all events for some months. The object of yesterday's visit was to secure, if possible, a continuance of the work to enable the defences to be completed in a satisfactory manner. As a result of the visit, it is hoped that this object has been achieved. The Ministry is still in communication with the county council as to the possibilities of a permanent scheme. This, however, entails co-operation with all the landowners whose property is involved, and my right hon. Friend is endeavouring to arrange for a conference in the near future to see how far that co-operation can be secured.
§ Mr. HARRISMay I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his activity in the matter?