asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware of the serious damage being caused to the beaches in the Solent and Spithead by excessive dredging; and what steps he is taking to secure the stability and maintenance of the coastline in their areas.

The Crown Estate Commissioners licence commercial dredging. They seek technical advice from the Hydraulics Research Station before granting any licence. I am not aware of any conclusive evidence that dredging has led to damage to beaches in the Solent and Spithead. Responsibility for protecting the coastline lies with the Coast Protection Authority.