HC Deb 02 December 1948 vol 458 cc2154-5
23. Mrs. Middleton

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the inquiry by his Department into the practicability of the Severn Barrage scheme for hydroelectric production has yet been completed; and will he indicate to the House the conclusions reached.

Mr. Gaitskell

As I explained in reply to my hon. Friend on 17th July, 1947, the construction of a tidal model is an essential preliminary to further consideration of this project. The construction of this model and the conduct of the necessary experiments will be under the direction of the Hydraulics Research Board. Progress has been delayed owing to the pressure of more urgent work and the difficulty of finding an appropriate site, and it is unlikely that any final conclusion on this will he reached for some considerable time.

Mrs. Middleton

Can my right hon. Friend give any indication of the further period that will be necessary in order to get the advice of those who are expert in this subject?

Mr. Gaitskell

I should think it would take at least another two years before we can get any final conclusion.

Mr. Peter Freeman

In view of the fact that these proposals vitally affect South Wales and the important development areas, and that the Severn Bridge scheme itself has been postponed, will the Minister consider taking further steps to hasten this report and inquiry in order that something practical may be done in this direction to assist these areas?

Mr. Gaitskell

I am afraid that there is nothing further that I can do to expedite the matter. I would point out that this project will cost at least£60 million and take eight years and therefore we should be careful about what we are doing before we start.

Mr. Berry

Has my right hon. Friend taken into account world-wide experience in hydro-electricity? Is he aware that while we may not have advanced far in this country, quite a number of other countries have done a lot of research and practical work in this connection?

Mr. Gaitskell

I do not think that we have any shortage of experts in this matter.

24. Mrs. Middleton

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what schemes he has under active consideration for hydroelectric production additional to the Severn Barrage scheme, such as those that have been proposed for the utilisation of the race of the Menai Straits and of the Pentland Firth.

Mr. Gaitskell

The merits of further tidal power schemes such as those referred to by my hon. Friend cannot be determined without detailed surveys and the construction of tidal models. Owing to the shortage of skilled staff and the difficulty of finding suitable sites it will not be possible to proceed with such work until the experiments with the Severn barrage model have been completed.

Mrs. Middleton

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House whether there is any intention on his part to proceed with the construction of the model when labour becomes available and the experts can give attention to this matter?

Mr. Gaitskell

I think we had better wait and see the result of the Severn barrage model first.

Sir Stanley Reed

Can the Minister give the House any information as to when this new tidal model of the Severn Estuary is likely to be finished?

Mr. Gaitskell

I did say I thought it would take at least two years before the experiment was completed.