§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Agriculture what are the works in hand for protecting the Suffolk coast in the Aldeburgh and Walberswick area from erosion and sea-flooding in the coming winter; and what is the estimate for such works contemplated and at present being carried out.
Mr. T. WilliamsThe East Suffolk Rivers Catchment Board, as the statutory drainage authority, have during the past five years carried out four schemes costing in the aggregate over£50,000 for the benefit of the Aldeburgh area. A substantial grant was paid by my Department in each case. An application for grant on a further scheme estimated to cost£63,000 is at present under examination.
No work is in hand or in immediate contemplation in the Walberswick area. The problem there is extremely complex, not least because of the difficulty of devising works at a cost which has some reasonable relation to the value of the land. The matter is receiving continued study by the Board in consultation with my Department.
Questions relating to sea defence schemes carried out by local government authorities, under the Coast Protection Act, 1949, or otherwise, are for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.