§ 6. Mr. Goochasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware of the concern felt by residents at Ostend, Walcot-on-Sea, Norfolk, whose property is seriously menaced by the continuing erosion of the cliffs; and if he will give his consent to the scheme prepared by the Smallburgh Rural District Council to protect the coast at Ostend.
§ Mr. H. BrookeMost of Walcot is now adequately protected by new works, and I hope that the additional groyne which is being constructed near Ostend House will reduce any danger that remains. I have not received detailed proposals for further works at this point; and I am doubtful whether further heavy expenditure from public funds could be justified here.
§ Mr. GoochIs the Minister aware that the sea is continually eating away bits of old Britain; and in this case will he encourage the local authority to come forward with a really worthwhile protection scheme for Ostend?
§ Mr. BrookeI have been to Walcot, although not within the last week. I understand the position to be that outline plans have been drawn up by the council, but no formal application has been made in connection with any fresh works except those at Happisburgh, and the Happisburgh works are the only ones that I feel able to consider at present.