§ Mr. Goronwy Robertsasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the damage to property, and erosion of land, caused on the North Welsh coast by recent storms, and the difficulty local authorities have in redressing present damage and securing the coastline against future damage and erosion; and whether he will consider ways and means of assisting these authorities to deal with the situation which has arisen and to guard against its recurrence.
§ Mr. KeyMy right hon. Friend is aware of this damage. Local authorities, as distinct from drainage authorities, are not in general empowered to do works of sea defence except for the protection of their own property. In so far as such works are necessary my right hon. Friend will give sympathetic consideration to applications for consents to loans.