§ 29. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give a direction to the Crown Commissioners to bring to a speedy end that contract which enables pebbles to be removed from Portland beach.
§ Mr. MacDermotThe contract in question ended on 31st December last.
§ Mr. KingIs renewal of the contract under discussion, as apparently it has not yet been renewed? If so, will the hon. and learned Gentleman take steps to see that it is not renewed and bear in mind that there is real danger to coastal defences and to people's houses in that area? The Crown Commissioners have not checked in the past on the amount of pebbles removed or on the place from which they are being removed.
§ Mr. MacDermotThe Crown Commissioners are anxious to see that sea defences are not put at risk. They have asked the local authority for its views. They are awaiting them before deciding whether to permit further removals.