Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the allocation of responsibility for the financing of coastal erosion works, as between his Department, county councils and district councils, as re- 146W arranged under the Local Government Act 1972; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe allocation of financial responsibility has for many years been considered to strike a fair balance between local county and national interests. Reorganisation of local government will make some changes but I have no reason to think that the general balance will not continue to be a fair one. The position will be kept under observation.