§ 44. Mr. R. Aclandasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the document, in the form of a petition, sent from residents in the neighbourhood of Harlyn Bay, near Padstow, Cornwall, relating to the dangers caused by the removal of sand from the bay; and whether he will take steps, either directly or through the local authorities, to protect the coast and its amenities at Harlyn Bay?
§ Captain WallaceMy right hon. Friend has received the petition, but the Board of Trade have no authority to stop the removals of sand to which the hon. Member refers.
§ Mr. AclandIn view of the fact that large pieces of the country are being washed away, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman see whether there are not some powers by which the Government could stop this being done?
§ Captain WallaceAmong other things, it would need legislation, and it would mean the repeal of an old Act of James I giving the inhabitants of Cornwall the right to take sand for agricultural purposes. The foreshore in Cornwall is not under the Board of Trade, but under the management of the Duchy of Cornwall, to whom a copy of the petition has been sent.