§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what powers(a) he and (b) his agencies have to control maintenance dredging of estuarine channels. [4300]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe general power to control dredging in tidal waters is contained in section 34 of the Coast Protection Act 1949 which requires the Secretary of State's consent to any operation to remove any object or any materials from any part of the seashore lying below the level of mean low water springs. Harbour authorities usually have powers in their local legislation to carry out within their harbour dredging in order to maintain or facilitate navigation and to license others to do so. These20W operations are generally exempted from the requirement for CPA consent. Disposal of the dredged material will require the approval of the Secretary of State if it is placed below the level of high water.