HC Deb 30 July 1956 vol 557 cc895-6
10. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement on his proposals for the development of hydro-electric power in Britain.

Mr. Renton

The chief scope for hydro-electric schemes is in Scotland, and they are the responsibility of the Secretary of State. So far as England and Wales are concerned, there are no proposals other than those in the North Wales Hydro-Electric Power Act, 1955. Hydroelectric power is at present supplying energy equivalent to a little over 1 million tons of coal, and on present plans this will increase to close on 2 million tons by the early 1960s.

11. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will now make a statement on the study that is being made on the prospects of harnessing the Severn estuary and river for hydro-electric power; and what similar prospects there are for other bays or rivers on the coast of Great Britain or Northern Ireland.

Mr. Renton

The results of recent research into the Severn Barrage project are discouraging, and as far as we know no other tidal inlet in the country offers any better prospects.

Mr. Ellis Smith

I make no reflection at all upon the present Ministers, but is not the Minister aware that this is considered to be a terrible indictment of the inaction of past Governments in this regard? Is he aware that my interest in this subject was stimulated by a very fine experience I had before the war, when I spent a day poring over drawings with Mr. Stubbs, a director of Fodens and adviser to Metropolitan-Vickers, and one of the finest authorities in the world, on hydro-electrification; and has not the time arrived for action in this matter?

Mr. Renton

I fully appreciate all that the hon. Gentleman says, but I would ask him to bear in mind that the physical difficulties of the Severn Barrage project are immense, owing to the tremendous amount of silting which takes place with each incoming tide.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Is not the Minister aware that France is now to take action in respect of the use of the tides? After the reports which we have had from the world's greatest authorities, surely some action should be taken.

Mr. Renton

Yes, but France has managed to find two suitable sites, where silting does not present the same problem.