§ 67. Mr. Parkinasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the River Severn Catchment Board cannot proceed with urgently needed plans to combat flooding and erosion of the river banks until they know what action is to be ken on the proposals of the Severn Commission for improving navigation between Gloucester and Worcester; and whether he will hasten a decision on principle on these proposals and indicate when a statement may be expected.
§ Mr. BarnesInvestigations into the physical possibilities of improving the navigation of the River Severn have been completed. A special inquiry on behalf of my Ministry with the co-operation of 1796 Bristol University into the economic aspects of the alternative schemes reported on by the engineers is likely to be completed this year. This is a necessary preliminary step. My Department is, however, prepared to advise on how far any proposed works of the Catchment Board might be rendered abortive through possible improvements to the navigation.