HC Deb 30 November 1933 vol 283 cc1054-5
58. Mr. MANDER

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the present position with regard to the Severn barrage scheme and other proposals made in relation thereto?

Mr. STANLEY

Before giving further consideration to this matter it is proposed to await any views which the local and other authorities affected by this far-reaching and costly scheme may wish to submit upon the Severn Barrage Committee's report.

Mr. MANDEB

In view of the considerable number of years during which these matters have been under consideration, can the right hon. Gentleman say when any decision is likely to be arrived at?

Mr. STANLEY

My hon. Friend will appreciate that what the committee has considered has been the technical and financial side of the question. What they are now considering are the social and industrial consequences of this enormous scheme.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

As it is cheaper to produce electricity by coal, would it not be better to drop the scheme?