HC Deb 19 May 1971 vol 817 cc299-300W
70 and 98. Mr. Milne

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he is aware, from the information forwarded to him by the hon. Member for Blyth, that the Northumberland coastline is threatened by erosion and that the Northern Region stands to lose an area designated the primary heritage coast in Great Britain; and if he will take action to safeguard the coastline;

(2) if, in the light of further evidence forwarded to him by the hon. Member for Blyth, he will have talks with all the appropriate authorities regarding the protection of beaches in Northumberland, with a view to ensuring their preservation for the future.

Mr. Graham Page

The Coast Protection Act, 1949 confers upon maritime county borough and county district councils power to carry out works of protection against sea erosion. Exchequer grant is payable towards the cost of approved schemes and my engineering inspectors are ready to visit authorities and help with advice. These powers and arrangements are adequate and no special action on my part is required.