§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister without Portfolio if he has considered the recent resolution of the East Suffolk County Council expressing the view that the maintenance of sea defences and sea 534W walls should be a national charge; and if he will state his attitude to this with regard to schemes for post-war reconstruction.
§ Sir W. JowittI understand that this resolution has been sent to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and is receiving his attention. Grants towards schemes of sea defence works promoted by drainage authorities are available under the Land Drainage Act, 1930, and the Agriculture Act, 1937, but there is no power to make grants towards maintenance. The maintenance of sea defence works at the sole expense of the State would involve a departure from existing practice which would require the most careful consideration.