HC Deb 24 June 1954 vol 529 c580
31. Mr. Braine

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the work still proposed to be done on the sea defences of Canvey Island will be completed.

Sir T. Dugdale

The main works for the protection of the Island have already been completed. Certain further improvement works, which have been discussed by the river board with the urban district council are to be carried out this year at an estimated cost of £34,000. Still further improvements to the sea defences in Canvey Island and elsewhere in Essex are under consideration by the river board for their 1955 programme.

Mr. Braine

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that due weight will be given to the views of Canvey Island council by the river board before further work is done? Can he give a further assurance that Canvey Island will be represented on the river board?

Sir T. Dugdale

I have no doubt that full weight will be given to the views of the urban council by the river board concerned, but I should like to have notice before I answer the second part of the supplementary.