8. Mr. Philips Priceasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that erosion of the banks of the Severn, between Gloucester and Tewkesbury, continues to the detriment of good agricultural land; and whether, following the conference held at Worcester on 9th February, 1956, he will again consult the British Transport Commission with a view to ensuring that action is taken by that body to prevent this damage by repairing the banks and reducing the speed of barge traffic.
§ Mr. NugentConsultations between the British Transport Commission and the Severn River Board are continuing.
Mr. PriceWill the Minister impress upon the Transport Commission the great 401 need to regulate the traffic on the Severn as being probably one of the most important causes of erosion of the banks?
§ Mr. NugentThe Transport Commission is well aware of this complaint, which has been going on for some time. I recollect it from a different position when I was at the Ministry of Agriculture. It is a difficult question to settle, but from the point of view of the River Board, the Transport Commission, the Ministry of Agriculture and my Department. efforts are being made to settle it. Any impetus that I can give personally to reaching a settlement I will certainly give.
§ Sir P. AgnewIs my hon. Friend aware that the erosion of the River Severn is not confined to that portion of the river south of Tewkesbury, and that I have been waiting a long time for the announcement by his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture of a solution of the problem which will lead to remedial action being taken about the erosion?
§ Mr. NugentThe question is a very difficult one.