HC Deb 08 April 1948 vol 449 cc332-4
8. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Health if the experts appointed by him to make a survey of the coast of Great Britain in relation to the problem of erosion have yet completed their report; and whether it is his intention to publish such report.

Mr. Bevan

I received the report in the autumn of 1946; it is not proposed to publish it.

Brigadier Medlicott

Would the Minister be prepared to reconsider that decision, in view of the very wide interest that is shown in all parts of the country in this matter, and the difficulties we have in answering questions raised by local authorities in the absence of any information as to what is the overall picture?

Mr. Bevan

The survey was a rapid one and was made only in order to provide a rough estimate of what was involved. It was not intended at the time to publish it. The survey would have been of a different kind and much more detailed if it had been intended to publish it.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is the Minister prepared to consider making such a survey as will be capable of being published?

Mr. Bevan

We are, of course, as the hon. and gallant Member knows, taking action in emergency cases, and we hope to take action in the not very distant future on a more general scale, but I should not like now to initiate another survey.

Commander Maitland

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House if he will bring in legislation soon to clear up the whole of this difficult situation?

Mr. Bevan

I am afraid that is a matter that will have to be left to the King's Speech at the opening of Parliament.

16. Mr. Baker White

asked the Minister of Health on what grounds he has refused to make a grant to the Urban District Council of Herne Bay for purposes of coast protection, seeing that the said authority has fulfilled his two requirements, namely that they have been undertaken since V.J.-Day, and are of pressing urgency.

Mr. Bevan

I do not consider that the annual rate burden in respect of the works undertaken since V.J.-Day is heavy enough to make assistance necessary.

Mr. Baker White

Is the Minister aware that in the Studd Hill area of Herne Bay houses are falling into the sea, that the roads and sewers are fractured, that this situation has gone on for about two and a half years, and that the cost is much greater than the local authority can possibly bear?

Mr. Bevan

With regard to the first part of the supplementary question, that situation has existed on some parts of the coast for very many years without exciting any indignation on the other side of the House. With regard to the latter part of the question, we are not proposing to relieve local authorities entirely of the rate burden involved. In this case the rate burden is not excessive.

Major Tufton Beamish

Does not this Question underline the urgent necessity for early legislation dealing with the whole question of coast erosion?

Mr. Bevan

It has been urgent for 30 years. I have already informed local authorities, as hon. Members know, that emergency action can be taken, and finances are provided for the purpose.