asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the heavy burden which the construction of sea defence works involves to coastal districts; and whether he will consider the advisability of assisting such districts in the performance of this necessary work?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for the Penrith Division of Cumberland (Mr. L. Collison) on the 27th March, of which I am sending him a copy.

Does not the Noble Lord consider that the seriousness of the situation demands further consideration?

The matter has been considered very carefully, both by the Royal Commission and by the Government, but at the present moment the Government have no money available to assist local authorities in this matter.