HC Deb 03 February 1931 vol 247 c1615
34. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the Government's intention to introduce the Coast Protection Bill as brought in last Session?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

I would refer to the reply given by the Prime Minister to the hon. and gallant Member on 29th January, 1930. The position is that progress cannot be made with a Bill on this subject in the absence of agreement between the interests concerned.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any negotiations are going on with the local authorities and other bodies who put forward objections to the last Bill?

Mr. GRAHAM

Yes, in August last I communicated in detail on the proposals with the hon. and learned Member for Lowestoft (Sir G. Rentoul) who, I understood, spoke for at all events a number of the local authorities. So far I have not had further communications.

Mr. PYBUS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the desperate urgency for this Bill in such places as Clacton, where London syndicates are removing sand and gravel from the foreshore and ultimately endangering the coast defences of the town?

Mr. GRAHAM

What my hon. Friend says is true as regards certain parts of the country. I have done everything in my power to get agreement among the parties. The Government cannot promise time unless there is agreement, and, unfortunately, they appear to be very far from agreeing at the moment.

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