HC Deb 11 April 1946 vol 421 cc2091-2
45. Major Tufton Beamish

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the country's sea defences have deteriorated owing to lack of proper maintenance during the war; that the storms this winter resulted in damage estimated at several million pounds; that the cost of repairing the damage is in many cases beyond the financial resources at present available; that the problem of co-ordinating the design, construction, maintenance and financing of these sea defences is in urgent need of solution; and what measures are being taken in this connection.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I am aware that the country's sea defences have deteriorated and that repairs would be costly. I am afraid, however, that I am not yet in a position to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich (Lady Noel-Buxton) on 27th February.

Major Beamish

Will the Prime Minister consider making one Minister responsible for co-ordinating and planning all the many problems connected with this matter?

The Prime Minister

That suggestion is being examined now.