10. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increasing necessity for cheap and widespread electrical power he will now consider the appointment of the special technical commission of inquiry recommended by the Water Power Resources Committee to inquire into the practicability of the River Severn barrage scheme?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe preliminary stages of the inquiry recommended by the Water Power Resources 211 Committee are at present being proceeded with. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 24th February by the Minister of Transport to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Everton Division of Liverpool (Colonel Woodcock), a copy of which I am forwarding to him.
Mr. THOMSONAre we to understand that the Government are doing all they can to expedite this inquiry?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERCertainly. I am anxious that the result of the inquiry now being conducted shall be available as soon as possible.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKWill the right hon. Gentleman allow the expense to go on for what is a futile proposition?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think we had better wait and see the result of the inquiry, before we say that it is futile.