asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice his Department has tendered to South Tyneside metropolitan borough council regarding the eligibility of repair bills for damaged sea defence walls for Government moneys under the Coast Protection Act 1949.

The advice given to the council has been on the lines of my reply to the hon. Member's question on 27 February last.—[Vol 979, c. 610.] Minor repairs, as distinct from reconstruction, do not normally qualify for grant.