§ 14. Mr. Medlicottasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the condition of the coast at Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk, continues to deteriorate; that defence works against the sea are urgently needed; that as the erosion increases the area available for the proper formation of defences is reduced; and what actual measures are being taken by his Department to meet the grave threat to the safety of this area which is now developing.
§ Mr. BevanI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on this subject on 8th December last.
§ Mr. MedlicottIs the Minister aware that in the district there is real anxiety about this problem, because at the present rate of deterioration it will not be 1171 long before parts of this coast may have to be evacuated; and is he further aware that a visit to this spot at any time would convince him that this is a case justifying the highest priority?
§ Commander MaitlandCan the Minister say when we may hope for a Measure to deal with the larger aspects of this problem; and is he not aware that there are many districts with conditions as bad as those mentioned in the Question?
§ Mr. BevanI cannot promise legislation this Session. As the hon. and gallant Member knows, on a number of occasions I have authorised special work to be done where deterioration would obviously result in much larger expenditure later on. I am always prepared to consider schemes of that sort.
§ Mr. DyeIs my right hon. Friend aware that in the case of Caister-on-Sea, there are many miles of rich agricultural land below sea level, and that unless very early steps are taken to tackle this problem there will be a great loss to agricultural production in Norfolk?
§ Mr. BevanI will certainly make inquiries into that, but all these capital schemes are being thrust upon us at the same time, when we have very limited resources.