HC Deb 14 December 1954 vol 535 cc1562-3
12 and 13. Mr. N. Nicolson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) on what basis he assesses the capacity of a local authority to pay for new coast protection works; and whether he will increase the Exchequer grant towards such works;

(2) whether he will pay from Exchequer funds the full cost of restoring the sea defences damaged in the recent gales.

28. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the burden falling on those local authorities whose sea defences have been damaged in the autumn gales; and if he will make a grant against the full cost of restoring such defences.

Mr. Sandys

Each application for grant is considered individually, having regard to the cost of the scheme and the financial resources of the local authority concerned. I will consider sympathetically any application for grant towards the cost of restoring sea defences damaged in the recent gales, but I cannot promise to meet the whole cost.

Mr. Nicolson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the gales which have caused the recent damage are not exceptional but are likely to recur annually, and are putting an intolerable charge upon local authorities? Does he agree that coast protection works should be mainly a national charge and should not fall upon small boroughs and individuals who are defending the whole country in defending their own properties?

Mr. Sandys

That is quite a big issue of policy, which I do not think is suitable to deal with in reply to a supplementary question.

Brigadier Medlicott

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that one of the difficulties in this matter is the fact that small local authorities are rightly hesitant about embarking upon this heavy expenditure, which should be undertaken in good time to anticipate these gales in future years?

Mr. Hayman

Will the Minister also bear in mind that rural local authorities in counties like Cornwall have very long coast lines and very small rate revenues with which to meet the cost of coast protection? Will he consider sympathetically all applications received in regard to this matter and make substantial grants?

Mr. Sandys

There is no lack of sympathy, but one must not always allow one's sympathy to decide the handling of public finances.