§ Mr. Kershawasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that the banks of the River Severn in the area of Saul and Fretherne are being eroded at an increasing rate, resulting in the loss of agricultural land and causing difficulties to fishermen and other users of the river, and that the groynes and other works which used formerly to prevent this erosion are falling into disrepair owing to the inability of landowners to pay the greatly increased costs of maintaining them; whether he will seek to assume responsibility for the maintenance of anti-erosion works; and whether lie will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MackieWe are aware that erosion of the banks of the River Severn is occurring in the Saul and Fretherne area but it is for the Severn River Authority, who are responsible for the main rivers in their area, to decide what work can and should be done. They are an autonomous body and it would not be appropriate for my right hon. Friend to intervene or to assume responsibility for maintenance works.