§ 51. Mr. Stokesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the local War Agricultural Committee are causing sand to be removed from the seashore at Constantine Bay, near Padstow, Cornwall, at the rate of 300 tons a week and that this removal has been going on for some months; and whether he can give an assurance that this process will not lead to erosion of the coast in the neighbourhood.
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)I am aware that the Cornwall war agricultural executive committee have caused sand to be removed from the seashore at Constantine Bay. The quantity is considerably less than indicated in the Question and is a continuance of pre-war farming practice.
§ Mr. StokesReally, the Minister has been improperly informed. Is he aware that the sand is being taken away under a charter issued in the time of Henry III, when the farmers only had horses, and that now the stuff is being carted 40 or 50 miles away in lorries by organised gangs of contractors who are ruining the seashore and imperilling the coastline and have in the next bay absolutely ruined the amenities of the place?
§ Mr. HudsonThe hon. Gentleman asked me whether I was aware that the committee were moving sand at the rate of 300 tons a week. I have replied that they are removing sand, but the quantity is very much less than that stated by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. StokesIs the Minister aware that he has entirely ignored the important part of the Question, which asks for an assurance that this will not result in serious coast erosion?
§ Mr. HudsonThat matter is being examined by my Noble Friend the Minister of War Transport.
§ Mr. StokesWhat has this got to do with the Minister of War Transport?
§ Mr. SpeakerSir Thomas Moore.
§ Mr. StokesOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. I wish to give notice that, as the Minister has entirely failed to deal with the substance of the Question, I shall raise it at the earliest possible moment, if I get a chance.