HC Deb 10 June 1952 vol 502 cc27-8
60. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how much steel for the purpose of coast defence works has been authorised; how much issued to the local authorities of Lowestoft and to Lothingland during the past 12 months; how much has been asked for; and whether he is satisfied that the needs of these authorities are being adequately met for the purpose of combating sea erosion.

Mr. Marples

It is not the practice to publish information about steel authorisations; my right hon. Friend will do his best to see that the needs of both schemes are met in so far as available supplies permit.

Mr. Evans

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in both these areas there has been a long and continuous battle against encroachments by the sea, and that the support given by the late Government through the Coast Protection Act resulted in a great deal of previous damage being repaired? Is he going now to allow, through an inadequate supply of steel, the land we have already saved to be washed away again? Is it not a suicidal policy to save Britannia from Mars and then hand her over to Neptune?

Mr. Marples

My right hon. Friend is perfectly aware of the importance of this work and of the excellent constructional work done by both local authorities. In the case of the Lothingland rural district scheme, there is about to be an issue of more steel. In the other case, that of Lowestoft, in January the Department met the engineer concerned, who agreed that at the present moment a supply of steel was not necessary and could be deferred for a few months.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the debased paper currency now in circulation is being considerably increased by steel authorisations issued by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government which it takes local departments many months to honour, and that these steel authorisations are for considerable periods not worth the paper they are written on?

Mr. Marples

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman has any specific instances which support the general statement he has just made, perhaps he will be kind enough to send them to my right hon. Friend.