HC Deb 14 June 1985 vol 80 cc579-80W
Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what steps he has taken to examine the loss of amenity and environmental damage resulting from the beach protection scheme currently being implemented on Hayling Island;

(2) whether he has called for, received, suggested or costed any proposals designed to restore the amenities hitherto associated with the sand beaches on Hayling Island before the implementation of the beach protection scheme;

(3) whether he will initiate urgent technical discussions,with Havant borough council and other qualified Government bodies to examine whether there is any alternative to the completion of the existing beach protection scheme on Hayling Island, which, within the overall cost limits for that proportion of the scheme yet to be completed, will achieve a more acceptable environment impact;

(4) whether he will allocate further funding, on the same basis as that applying to the current beach protection scheme on Hayling Island, to any suitable scheme designed to restore the amenity value of the beaches on Hayling Island affected by the current beach protection scheme.

Mr. Jopling

In 1983 a scheme was approved for beach replenishment on Hayling Island. If Havant borough council wishes to make proposals for its modification I will consider them.. Additionally I have arranged for one of my officials to visit the site and have technical discussion with the borough council about the environmental impact of the scheme.