74. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make a statement before the summer Recess regarding the progress of the reconstruction of sea defences; and whether he is satisfied that the coast, under his jurisdiction, will be fully protected by 30th September, 1953.
§ Sir T. DugdaleVery good progress is being made with restoration and improvement works along the thousand miles of coastline that were affected by last winter's floods and for which the East Coast river boards are responsible. As a result of the great exertions of all concerned, I am satisfied that the defences will, by the end of September, be materially stronger than they were before the floods occurred and that substantial progress will have been made by then with works that will afford still further improvement to the protection of areas of special importance.