§ 20. Sir WALTER PRESTONasked the Minister of Transport whether anything further is being done about building a barrage across the River Severn and generating electric power by tidal water; and how many men is it estimated would be employed on this scheme if it were put in hand?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe question of the practicability of constructing a barrage across the River Severn for the purposes of generating electric power by tidal water is being investigated by an expert committee which was appointed on the recommendation of the Committee of Civil Research. It is not possible to give any useful estimate of the number of men who might be employed on any scheme of this kind.
§ Sir W. PRESTONCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say when they will make their report?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI could not say.
§ Captain GUNSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this scheme excites considerable apprehension among authorities in Sharpness and Avonmouth Docks, and, if the scheme is proposed, will he see that the representatives of these ports have full opportunity of representing their views?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI think I had better wait until the Committee report.
§ Mr. TAYLORCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say how long the Committee have been sitting?
§ Colonel ASHLEYQuite a long time.