27. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that from 1790 until 1952, high tides of 27 feet 9 inches or over occurred on an average only once in every five years at Boston, in Lincolnshire; that these were probably all blown tides; that six such tides have occurred since September, 1952, some in calm weather; to what causes his advisers attribute these phenomena; and what further action he is taking to protect the coast.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI understand that the particulars given in the first part of the Question are generally correct, but the cause of these phenomena is not immediately apparent. These issues are within the terms of reference of the Waverley Committee.
Commander MaitlandAs it must be some time before we get a report from the Waverley Committee and these are matters which are affecting the immediate defence of the coast against attack from the sea, is the Minister taking special action to find out immediately whether anything ought to be done to improve the sea defences?
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe short answer is that although the experience at Boston is of very great interest there is no evidence at present that it is general all along the sea coast. It may be due to special local factors.
§ Mr. DribergUntil the Waverley Committee reports, will it not be wise to maintain the improved warning system which was introduced as the result of the floods in February, and which has now been abandoned at some points on the East Coast and might very well have been used the weekend before last?
§ Sir T. DugdaleWe have that matter very much in mind. The House will appreciate that we had very high tides during that weekend, much higher than were anticipated—
§ Mr. DribergAnd no warning.
§ Sir T. Dugdale—and that we are watching the matter very carefully.