It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Mr Ian Paisley. The minister acknowledges the importance and heritage of the Slapton Line, which played a crucial role in D-day preparations. He praised Anthony Mangnall for his efforts to address this issue and expressed sympathy towards those affected by ongoing concerns about coastal erosion and road safety. Guy Opperman highlighted the Slapton Line Partnership's November 2023 strategy document and noted that Devon County Council received £6.63 million in further funding after HS2 cancellation, allowing flexibility for additional projects beyond highways maintenance. The minister emphasized the need to find a compromise solution that provides security and peace of mind to local communities within the next two, five, and ten years. He reiterated the statutory position under section 41 of the Highways Act 1980, which requires each highways authority to assess repair needs based on local knowledge. The minister pointed out that Devon County Council receives significant funding—30% more than last year's budget—from the Department for Transport, totaling £68.88 million in 2023-24. This increase allows local authorities to prioritize maintenance according to community priorities while considering environmental and statutory bodies' views. Guy Opperman expressed hope that a practical policy can be developed with support from his office, facilitating discussions between the council, community, and MP for a long-term solution.