30. Major MILLSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will set up a committee to consider in what localities and on what conditions expert advice and financial assistance should be given at the expense of the nation to local authorities to enable them to resist coast erosion?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Royal Commission on Coast Erosion reported in 1911 that, in their opinion, there was no ground from a national point of view for assistance being given from public funds towards the cost of sea defence as such. Since that date the circumstances on which the recommendation was based do not appear to have changed, and I regret that I cannot see my way to setting up the committee suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.