§ Mr. R. DAVIESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, the number of widows in England, Scotland and Wales, at the last Census; and, if possible, the number of fatherless children and orphans under 14 years of age, respectively?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSFigures for England and Wales and Scotland are not yet available for the countries as a whole, but a statement will be sent to the hon. Member when the information is ready. The figures asked for in respect of London, Middlesex and Herts are given in the following table:
of guarding against coast erosion by means of sea defence works should no longer be borne wholly by coastal towns, and that the cost thereof should be accepted as a national charge; and whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to give effect to such principle?
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§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have received resolutions from 55 seaside authorities on this subject. The Royal Commission on Coast Erosion in their Final Report stated that they were unable to recommend making grants from public funds in aid of sea defence, and the Government see no reason for differing from this conclusion.