HC Deb 17 April 1947 vol 436 cc329-32
35. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are the prospects of hydro-electrification schemes in the rivers Mersey, Thames and in the Lake District; what are the prospects of harnessing the tides; and where are the sites it is intended to carry out schemes of construction.

Mr. Shinwell

The resources available for hydro-electric development are limited and are at present being concentrated on schemes in the North of Scotland district.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Does my right hon. Friend agree that ample cheap electric power is the basis of modern industrial success and development, and if that is so, is this question not becoming one of extreme urgency in view of the position?

Mr. Shinwell

There is an urgency as regards the provision of electricity supply, but our view is that it is better to concentrate for the time being, owing to the lack of material and manpower for hydro-electric schemes, on the North of Scotland.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Has my right hon. Friend recently received a report from the plant manufacturers dealing with this development? Is he aware that in the Monnet Plan there are 30 schemes to be tapped, and in view of the serious economic urgency, is it not time that something was done about it?

Mr. Shinwell

I am afraid that the provisions of the Monnet Plan are hardly applicable to this case.

Mr. Charles Williams

Why should all the advantages of this use of electricity be confined to the North of Scotland and not given to Wales and England?

Mr. Shinwell

Scotland got in on the ground floor and the scheme is proceeding under the decision of the House in 1943. It is desirable to proceed with that scheme, particularly in view of the absence of material, before we proceed to consider other schemes. I may tell the House that we have before us all the time this consideration of how far we can proceed with hydro-electricity.

Mr. Watkins

Is my right hon. Friend in a position to examine the proposals with regard to Mid-Wales which I communicated to him over 18 months ago?

Mr. Shinwell

Yes, Sir. My hon. Friend should be aware that we have examined those proposals, which were submitted by him and by other hon. Members, and we have come to the conclusion that it is not desirable in present circumstances to proceed with the schemes.

Mr. Peter Freeman

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply give any indication that the barrage scheme for the Severn will be prejudiced or frustrated in any way?

Mr. Shinwell

That comes in under another Question.

36. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he has estimated the kilowatts that could be produced, the amount of coal saved per annum and the radius in which central heating could be provided if the hydro-electrification schemes were carried out on the Severn and the Conway; and if he will lay all available figures before the House.

Mr. Shinwell

The figures asked for by my hon. Friend regarding the Severn are to be found on pages 16, 17 and 19 of the Report on the Severn Barrage Scheme issued in 1945. Corresponding figures for a scheme on the river Conway, I regret, are not available.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Is it not a tact that a report was prepared in 1931 by the finest experts in the world and that a further report was prepared on the advice of my right hon. Friend, and is it not time that action was taken on those reports?

Mr. Shinwell

If my hon. Friend is referring to the Severn Barrage Report, as I informed him some time ago we are proceeding with the construction of a model tidal plan at a cost of approximately £40,000. We must proceed in that direction first before we come to a definite decision.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a similar tidal model was prepared at the Manchester University in 1931 by Professor Gibson, which was proved technically correct, and why is another model now being prepared?

Mr. Shinwell

That is the first I have heard of the model of 1931 to which my hon. Friend has referred, and I would ask him to send me particulars.

Mr. Erroll

Could not the Minister refer the whole business to the new chief planner?

37. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, if he will make a full statement on the prospect of hydro-electrification schemes; if the experts' reports are now accepted; if Professor Gibson's tidal report is accepted; if recent reports have been received from the engineers employed by the plant manufacturers; and what action is to be taken on all reports received.

Mr. Shinwell

I am not sure to what reports my hon. Friend refers, but if he will provide more details I will try to send him a detailed reply. The latest information on the Severn Barrage Scheme is contained in the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Renton) on 20th February, 1947.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Although I see that it is no use pursuing this question, may I ask whether decision is still a matter for the Ministry or whether it is now a matter for the super planner?

Mr. Shinwell

It is for the Ministry to plan. We take full responsibility in that regard, but I am bound to say that from the facts before me and the advice tendered, I do not feel disposed at the present moment to proceed with this scheme.