HC Deb 07 March 1945 vol 408 cc2011-2
34. Mr. Driberg

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can make a statement on the proposed use of the River Crouch as a dump for disused craft and scrap; and if he will give an assurance that there will be no permanent interference with the amenities of this estuary.

Mr. Alexander

The Admiralty have no intention of using the River Crouch as a dumping ground. It may, however, be necessary to arrange for surplus craft to be laid up in the area pending disposal. The hon. Member may rest assured that full account would be taken of the amenities of the estuary if, and when, such temporary arrangement became necessary.

Mr. Driberg

Is it expected that these arrangements will have to continue for very long after the war?

Mr. Alexander

I am afraid I cannot make any firm promise. It depends a great deal on the celerity with which surplus craft of that kind can be disposed of.

Mr. Driberg

But will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that Burnham-on-Crouch is a great yachting and sailing centre, and a popular holiday resort of the simple kind, and that its amenities and the livelihood of its people will be seriously threatened unless these things can be got rid of pretty quickly?

Mr. Alexander

I am sure that we shall take every possible precuation to make the inconvenience as little as possible, but I am afraid I shall get the same representations from almost every estuary in the country.

Mr. Driberg

No, many of these are quite different.