52. Surgeon Lieut.-Commander Bennettasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is prepared to take in order to arrest the progressive breakdown of the river bank of the Hamble River between Swanwick and Warsash, which is being accompanied by destruction of the right of way together with increasing flooding and loss of agricultural land previously protected or reclaimed.
§ Mr. ChampionMy right hon. Friend is advised by the Hampshire River Board, the statutory drainage authority concerned, that only a limited area is affected and it would not be economic to carry out remedial works, the cost of which would be considerable.
Surgeon Lieut.-Commander BennettIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this Question was originally directed to the Minister of Local Government and Planning? As a number of Ministries are concerned and as the matter involves not only agricultural land but also a right of way, and many people may have to contribute to this rebuilding, can the hon. Gentleman say what share his Ministry will bear and what other Ministries are involved?
§ Mr. ChampionThe Ministry of Agriculture is involved in so far as the agricultural land is within the land in question. As to the footpaths. that is a matter for the urban district council acting in consultation with the Hampshire River Board.
Surgeon Lieut.-Commander BennettAs this matter has been referred to me by the council because they have been unable to find out what other bodies besides themselves will contribute, and how much will be contributed, can the hon. Gentleman say how much his Ministry will contribute?
§ Mr. ChampionNot without notice.