§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to make an announcement about the Essex coast protection scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackI have been asked to reply.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has overall policy responsibility for coast protection in England. Grant aid is available under the Coast Protection Act 1949 to maritime district councils for carrying out works to protect land from erosion or encroachment by the sea. Such works must be technically sound, economically worthwhile and environmentally acceptable to qualify for approval and grant aid. There are a number of works currently under construction or consideration by the maritime district councils in Essex.