HC Deb 17 March 1959 vol 602 cc187-8
19. Mr. Maddan

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what research is being undertaken by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research into the silting of major ports in Great Britain.

Mr. H. Nicholls

The Hydraulics Research Station has been responsible, with the Port of London Authority, for a comprehensive study of the causes of silting in the Thames Estuary and of possible remedial measures. It is making a similar study of the Mersey Estuary and the approaches to Liverpool Docks. Also it has recently commenced an investigation on a smaller scale into silting at Avonmouth Docks.

Mr. Maddan

May I ask my hon. Friend what results have been obtained from this work?

Mr. Nicholls

The main result so far has been to produce a new method of dredging, and the amount of dredging that has to be carried out has been very much reduced as a consequence.