§ Lord Braine of Wheatleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their estimate of the damage caused by the recent fire to Southend Pier and whether they will provide assistance towards its restoration.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of National Heritage (Viscount Astor)The Government have no detailed information on the extent of the damage, but I understand that it was confined to the landward end of the pier. I understand that Southend Borough Council, which owns the pier, has insurance cover against fire damage.