HC Deb 20 July 1953 vol 518 cc11-2W
Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made to restore the position in the North-East of Scotland, prior to the storm damage; and how far the recovery of the blown timber is now assured.

Mr. J. Stuart

First aid repairs are completed. With few exceptions the fishing boats damaged by the storm have resumed fishing. Substantial progress has been made with longer term restoration such as that of damaged sea defences. Seven schemes for repair of harbour damage have been accepted for Development Fund assistance and a start has been made on a number of the new coast protection schemes shown to be necessary by the storm.

The work of clearing the areas of windblown timber is proceeding satisfactorily. It is estimated that of the total windblow of 40 million cubic feet only about four million cubic feet, mainly in small parcels, have still to be taken up by the timber trade and I have no reason to think that this will not in due course be dealt with satisfactorily.