§ Lord SHINWELLasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether finance is made available to local authorities in the County of Durham, including the Durham County Council, for the purpose of preventing the spoilation and improving the condition of the beaches on the Durham coastline.
§ Baroness BIRKDerelict land grants are available for improving the condition of beaches in the County of Durham affected by the tipping of colliery waste. The current rate of grant in this area is 100 per cent. A joint Working Party of officials of the Departments and local authorities concerned and the National Coal Board is considering the means of ending colliery waste tipping on the beaches and bringing an acceptable method of waste disposal into operation as soon as practicable. The financial responsibility for disposal of waste rests with the industry.
House adjourned at twelve minutes before nine o'clock.