§ 73. Mr. Thorneasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can give any information in connection with the proposal to build a dam across the Thames in the Woolwich area; and what action he intends taking about the matter.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir, my Noble Friend recently received a deputation, the members of which urged upon him the advantages of building a dam across the Thames at Woolwich. My hon. Friend will realise that there is a considerable divergence of opinion about the merits of this proposal, and that many important interests are involved. For these reasons, and in view of the technical complexity of the matter, a prolonged and detailed inquiry would be required before a decision to build a barrage could be made. I regret that I cannot hold out any hope that this inquiry can be begun during the period of the war.