HC Deb 17 October 1944 vol 403 c2185
27. Lieut.-Commander Joynson-Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the date upon which the beach between Blue Bird Café, Ferring, and Sea Avenue, Rustington, was declared free of mines; and how many mines were removed from that area in the two months preceding such declaration.

Sir J. Grigg

This stretch of beach was opened to the public on 25th September. It had not itself been mined but there were minefields behind which were not protected from the seaward side. By the date mentioned most of these minefields had been cleared and the remainder marked and wired and conditions were safe enough to justify the opening of the beach.

Lieut.-Commander Joynson - Hicks

Could my right hon. Friend say if there was any reason why the beach itself should not have been declared open earlier?

Sir J. Grigg

I am very sorry but I thought that was what I tried to make clear, that immediately behind the beach there were minefields which were not protected from the seaward side.

Sir H. Williams

Could my right hon. Friend say why the military, since September 25th, have wired up every approach to this beach?

Sir J. Grigg

If that is a new question, the hon. Member had better put it down.