§ Lieut.-Colonel Price-Whiteasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the serious damage caused to coastal areas of North Wales by the recent equinoctial storms; that this damage has resulted in a serious increase in the costs to be borne by local authorities out of their general rate; and whether, in view of the unfair burden thus placed on these authorities, he will take steps to draw up a scheme which will provide that damage caused by sea storms and erosion will be dealt with on a national basis.
§ Mr. BevanI am aware of this damage. I am not convinced that the scheme suggested by the Hon. Member would commend itself generally, but I am prepared to have it considered.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Price-Whiteasked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to give any help to those occupiers of houses who have suffered serious and irreparable damage to their houses, furniture and effects, by sea erosion and storm, such as was recently experienced in many North Wales coastal areas; or whether he will authorise the local authorities concerned to assist those concerned in making good the damage.
§ Mr. BevanI am not empowered to make grants for such a purpose. If the 1543W local authorities feel satisfied that some assistance involving expenditure from rate funds is essential in the special circumstances of the case, I shall be prepared to consider any representations they may wish to make to me on the matter.