HC Deb 08 June 1944 vol 400 cc1507-8
55. Sir Henry Morris-Jones

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the documents sent to him by the hon. Member for Denbigh about the township of Kinmel Bay, near Rhyl; whether he is aware of the conditions under which many of the residents live there, with impassable roads, inadequate drainage and lack of proper sanitation; and what steps he intends to take to see that the necessary amenities are provided for its inhabitants.

Mr. Willink

The answer to the first two parts of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the third part, the primary responsibility for securing that provision is made for such sewers as may be necessary for effectually draining this area and that private streets are repaired or made up rests with the district council and I am prepared to consider any proposals for the purpose submitted by them.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Will the Minister be prepared to send down an inspector to investigate conditions, since in this area the problem is beyond the powers of the local authority, in view of the expense involved and the impossibility of recovery from the estate company?

Mr. Willink

As regards sewerage, I have taken the matter in hand and asked the local authority to submit a scheme, and there will be a public inquiry. With regard to the improvement of the estate that, of course, is a matter in which the expenditure of public funds on a private estate must be one for inquiry. When the council make proposals I shall order a local inquiry into that as well.

Mr. John Wilmot

Will the Minister examine again the origins of this most unsatisfactory estate, and see that the necessary steps are taken to prevent a recurrence?

Mr. Willink

Yes, Sir.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

Will my right hon. and learned Friend extend his attention to a similar set of circumstances which exists in East Sussex?

Mr. Willink

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put that point to me by means of a Question on the Order Paper.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

In view of the difficulty of ventilating this matter at Question time I give notice that I shall raise it again on the Adjournment, at the first opportunity.