HC Deb 15 December 1959 vol 615 cc137-8W
109. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what are the conditions with which a local authority is required to comply in order to obtain a grant in respect of a scheme under the Coast Protection Act, 1949.

Mr. H. Brooke

In considering whether a scheme is eligible for grant, I take into account the financial burden imposed by the scheme and by other schemes undertaken under the Act in the local authority's area, and the financial circumstances of the authority. When an undertaking to pay grant is given it is made subject to compliance with a number of conditions concerning the execution of the works, the keeping of records, etc. I am sending the hon. Member a list of these conditions.

110. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many of the schemes for which grant has been promised under the Coast Protection Act, 1949, contain provision for the collection of coast protection charges.

Mr. H. Brooke

25 out of the 215 schemes to which grant aid has been promised contain such provision.

111. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will permit local authorities who have levied, or decided to levy, charges under the Coast Protection Act, 1949, to revoke their decision or reduce the level of such charges, without affecting their entitlement to Exchequer grant where this has already been agreed.

Mr. H. Brooke

Any question of revoking a decision to levy charges or of reducing the level of charges is entirely for the local authority; my permission is not required. Entitlement to Exchequer grant would not be prejudiced by any revocation or reduction of charges.