§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Agriculture what acreage has been lost in recent years through the breaks in the sea-banks of Martlesham Creek, River Deben, Suffolk; what was the cause of these breaks; who is responsible for maintaining and repairing these banks; and when the lost land is to be reclaimed?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithAbout 25 acres of land have been flooded since 26th January, 1939. The breach through which they are flooded was caused by water getting behind the place where a breach had been made by an abnormal tide in February, 1938. The responsibility for maintaining and repairing the banks rests with the East Suffolk Rivers Catchment Board. A comprehensive scheme of works on the main river and sea walls of the catchment area has recently been approved by me for a grant under the Land Drainage Act, 1930. The scheme includes the rebuilding of the Martlesham Creek walls and the board have decided to proceed with this part of the scheme immediately.