HC Deb 19 November 1947 vol 444 c1131
38. Mr. J. H. Hare

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when he intends to derequisition the stretch of beach along the shore of the River Orwell between the R.A.F. station and the Old Stone Pier at Felixstowe.

Mr. W. Edwards

Negotiations are now in hand with the owners, the Harwich Harbour Conservancy Board, for release of the last remaining stretch of beach held by the Admiralty along the shore of the River Orwell. It is not possible at this stage, therefore, to say when this site will be de-requisitioned, but I will write to the hon. Member as soon as negotiations are completed.

Mr. Hare

I am sure the hon. Gentleman is aware of the great pleasure which this announcement will give to many hundreds of people from both Felixstowe and Ipswich, who for the last two years have been deprived of the use of this length of beach which at long last will again be made available to them.

Commander Noble

For what purpose is this bit of beach being held?

Mr. Edwards

It is not really being held for any particular purpose. The question of derequisition is one for negotiations and these are taking place now.