§ 7. Mr. AYLESasked the President of the Board of Trade if the Committee appointed to inquire into the Severn barrage scheme has reported, and what is its nature?
Mr. WEBBThe informal Committee, whose constitution and functions I stated in an answer to the hon. and learned Member for East Islington (Mr. Comyns-Carr) on the 3rd June—a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend—has now presented a Report indicating the nature of the detailed investigations which must be undertaken before any definite judgment can be formed as to the practicability of a barrage scheme, and the probable cost of those investigations. The Report is under consideration, and I hope to be able to make an announcement on the subject at an early date.
§ Mr. AYLESIf I put a question down for this day week, does the right hon. Gentleman think that then he will be prepared with an answer as to the policy of the Board of Trade in this matter?
§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEWill the House be given an opportunity to discuss this matter?
Mr. WEBBI must remind the House that all that is in question is undertaking a scientific investigation in order to see whether or not the scheme is practicable. I think the hon. Member for North Bristol (Mr. Ayles) may rely that I shall be able 1942 to give information as to that point, as to whether or not we are proceeding with this investigation, before the House rises, but the question as to whether the scheme will be undertaken is a matter for a much later date.
§ Sir F. WISECan the right hon. Gentleman state who was the engineer who made the Report?
Mr. WEBBThere were three experts, engineers and others, whose names I have already given to the House, but I have not got them in my hand at the moment.
§ Major COLFOXIs there any probability of this scheme providing any considerable amount of employment for those who are out of work?