asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made in repairing sea defences against flooding and erosion since January, 1953; how much remains to be done; what has been spent on this work; and how much has been recovered through Treasury grants.

Since 1st February last year, schemes for the restoration and improvement of the sea defences against flooding costing in all £25 million have been submitted for approval by the East Coast River Boards. Restoration works amounting to £15·3 million and attracting 100 per cent, grant are almost completed. Improvement works amounting to £9·7 million and attracting 85 per cent, grant are largely completed and should all be finished by the end of the present financial year. Of the estimated total cost of £25 million, the Exchequer is contributing nearly £23·5 million.The repair of sea defences against erosion was a much smaller problem and I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government that so far as is known the repair work is complete. The cost was about £150,000 which has been wholly met by the Exchequer.