RIVER SEVERN EROSION

HL Deb 23 June 1958 vol 210 c1

2.35 p.m.

LORD HAMPTON

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made in arriving at a remedial scheme for dealing with the problem of River Severn erosion.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD (EARL ST. ALDWYN)

My Lords, I am glad to say that agreement has now been reached between the Severn River Board and the British Transport Commission on the financial basis of a five-year programme of work on the most seriously eroded portions of the banks, about 6½ miles in length. The total cost is estimated at £130,000, a substantial part of which will be met by a Government grant under the Land Drainage Act, 1930.

LORD HAMPTON

My Lords, I should like to express my thanks to the noble Earl for his reply, which will give considerable comfort to many landowners and farmers in that part of the world.