HC Deb 23 June 1955 vol 542 c1490
35. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further action he proposes to take to implement the recommendations of the Waverley Report on Coastal Flooding, particularly that provision should be made for grants towards the cost of maintenance work upon sea defences by river boards.

Mr. Amory

The conclusions of Her Majesty's Government on the Waverley Report were stated in the reply given on 3rd June, 1954, by the then Home Secretary to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Horncastle (Commander Maitland). Two advisory committees have been set up to co-ordinate research. Consultations have taken place with the associations interested in the recommendations with regard to river boards' precepts and to maintenance grants to river boards for sea defence works. These recommendations are now being considered in the light of the consultations and a statement will be made as soon as possible.

Mr. Hill

Will the Minister bear in mind that the high cost of this maintenance work is inevitably causing certain urgent types of defence work of a capital nature to be postponed?

Mr. Amory

I am aware of the high cost, and I realise the importance of the work which has to be carried out in the area of my hon. Friend's constituency.