HC Deb 16 November 1944 vol 404 cc2119-20
58. Mr. Price

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, owing to a sudden change in the course of the Severn near Lydney, serious erosion of the bank has taken place, threatening a considerable area of land with flooding; and whether he is consulting with other Departments interested in this area to finance a plan for dealing with this danger.

Mr. Hudson

I am aware of the facts stated. Measures have been taken to check the erosion by tipping stone on part of the frontage affected, and behind the site of the tipping the River Severn Catchment Board are constructing a new flood embankment the cost of which will be grant-aided by my Department. The situation on the remainder of the frontage will be kept under review in consultation with the Departments concerned.

Mr. Price

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the tipping of stone is insufficient; that the Severn bank is going back at the rate of one yard per day at high tide, and that something much bigger than that is needed to deal with it?

Mr. Hudson

It is a complicated matter which I cannot deal with by way of question and answer.