§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his estimate of the area of land lost to the sea between the estuary of the River Roe and Magilligan Point during the last(a) five years, (b) 10 years, (c) 15 years and (d) 20 years; what evidence he has on changes in the rate of erosion; what evidence he has on the long term change in the level of the land above sea level in that area; and whether he has any approaches to the EEC for funding for coastal protection works to protect the environment of the Lough Foyle foreshore.
§ Mr. Peter Bottomley[holding answer 3 April 1990]: The information is not available.
The expenditure necessary to stop erosion on this portion of the Lough Foyle coast could not be justified as the cost of coastal protection works would be greatly in excess of the value of the land at risk, consequently EC funding has not been sought.