§ Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he will take to deal with problems of soil erosion in many coastal areas of Wales where adequate measures are beyond local resources: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarplesI understand that my hon. Friend is referring to coast erosion in Pembrokeshire. My right hon. Friend is prepared to consider applications by local authorities for grants under the Coast Protection Act, 1949. in aid of approved schemes for coast protection. Further, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries is prepared to make grants to drainage authorities under the Land Drainage Act, 1930, towards expenditure on approved sea defence works necessary to protect low lying agricultural land and to ensure certain river outfalls.