§ 29. Brigadier Petoasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the full report forwarded to his Ministry on 16th April on the coast erosion at Westward Ho and on the sea defences required to make good the damage, the estimated cost of which is £95,000; whether he can now state how this sum is to be provided; and, in particular, how much is to be borne by the local authority.
§ Mr. BevanYes, Sir. I have received the report, and my officers are going to discuss the problem with the local authority.
§ Brigadier PetoCan the right hon. Gentleman say when this discussion will take place? Is he not aware that there has already been much delay in starting the work, and that this has been caused by the failure of his Ministry to give a definite answer on this question?
§ Mr. BevanI do not accept that statement at all; the discussions will take place at the earliest moment.
§ Brigadier PetoIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was given that answer about two months ago? Will he not take urgent steps in this matter? Will he not give a definite answer?
§ Mr. BevanI cannot give an answer at the moment, but I can say that this question of coast erosion is being dealt with much more expeditiously now than at any time within the last 50 years.