§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware of the serious damage being caused to the beaches in the Solent and Spithead by excessive dredging; and what steps he is taking to secure the stability and maintenance of the coastline in their areas.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe Crown Estate Commissioners licence commercial dredging. They seek technical advice from the Hydraulics Research Station before granting any licence. I am not aware of any conclusive evidence that dredging has led to damage to beaches in the Solent and Spithead. Responsibility for protecting the coastline lies with the Coast Protection Authority.