§ 16. Mr. Loveysasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what proportion of the sum expended on coast protection since the Coast Protection Act, 1949, has been paid by individual property owners contributing to works schemes as allowed for under Section 7 of the Act.
§ Mr. RipponBetween 1 and 2 per cent.
§ Mr. LoveysDoes not my hon. Friend agree that the enormous amount of work which has to be undertaken by marine local authorities which operate works schemes is out of proportion to the amount recovered? Does he not think that in future the amounts which would be recovered from works schemes should be included in the grants supplied by the Government in the first place?
§ Mr. RipponThere is a great deal in what my hon. Friend says. My right 1140 Friend has raised this matter with the local authority associations. All but one of them have replied. So far all are in favour of not making any more of these works schemes.
§ Mr. LoveysIs my hon. Friend aware that individual property owners concerned and marine local authorities will be greatly relieved at the enlightened view now being taken by the Government concerning this piece of Socialist legislation? Is there any hope of retrospective action concerning works schemes which have taken place but where appeals have not yet been considered by my right hon. Friend?
§ Mr. RipponIn the ordinary course of events I should not have thought that retrospection was possible. There are a number of cases now before my right hon. Friend. No doubt we can bear in mind the point which has been made.