§ 14. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that his eastern regional officials have refused the request of the Essex Rivers Catchment Board that certain coastal areas should be reswept for mines, although it is admitted officially that mines originally laid in these areas are still not accounted for; and if, in view of the urgent necessity that the board's employees should have safe access to such areas to carry out repairs to sea defence works, etc., after several years of enforced neglect, he will cause this matter to be reconsidered.
§ Mr. EdeMy eastern regional office gave the clerk to the Essex Rivers Catchment Board, on 21st August, particulars of the clearance certificates issued by the military authorities in respect of the areas about which they had inquired, showing that in all these cases it had been stated that the areas might be considered safe except for the possibility of mines being washed up from other fields. All the areas were carefully swept with detectors before clearance certificates were issued, 1757 but if the Board wish for further reassurance I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War would be glad to arrange for their representatives to discuss the matter with the appropriate military authorities.