§ 56. Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has had from coastal local authorities regarding grant-aid for sea defence and coastal protection schemes in the current year and for 1989; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerA number of coastal local authorities have expressed concern as to whether sufficient capital allocation can be made available to them to enable them to undertake the coast protection schemes they consider necessary. I have advised them that the overall sum available will be allocated amongst the authorities concerned in a way that takes full account of the priority of the work.