HC Deb 01 July 1943 vol 390 c1787
73. Sir H. Williams

asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to authorise, in cases where the military authorities have no objection, access to portions of the beach on the South Coast to make bathing possible?

Mr. H. Morrison

Access to beaches for bathing purposes has already been permitted in certain places by agreement between the Regional Commissioner and the Military Command and in any case in which there was evidence of a real public demand for access to a particular beach, the Regional Commissioner would be prepared to consider the matter in consultation with the Command I understand that no such evidence has been produced in respect of the particular place which my hon. Friend has in mind.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braith- Waite

Does consultation take place between the Ministry of War Transport and the Ministry of Food before these decisions are made? Is my right hon. Friend aware that at one South-East coast town where the beach has been opened the trams have since been crowded to the exclusion of Service personnel and a serious food shortage has been created to the detriment of the local residents?

Mr. Morrison

I should imagine that the Regional Commissioner does consult with the Departments concerned.