HC Deb 26 November 1963 vol 685 cc50-2
11. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what consideration he has given to the proposed Milford Haven tidal barrage as a source of industrial water for the Swansea and Cardiff areas.

Sir K. Joseph

I have had no proposals of this sort from either Swansea or Cardiff.

I understand that, on the basis of estimates of cost made by a technical working party, Swansea and the West Glamorgan water authorities have rejected the idea of seeking water from a Milford Haven barrage. It would be considerably more expensive to pump such water as far as Cardiff.

Mr. Donnelly

Is the Minister aware that the industrial development of South Wales in the next ten or twenty years may well be limited by lack of industrial water? Is he aware that what may appear to be unreasonable now may be perfectly reasonable at a later date; for instance, it may be possible to take water from Tryweryn to Liverpool—the distance involved is about the same. In those circumstances, will the Minister make it his own responsibility to re-examine the whole possibility of a water grid in South Wales, involving the Milford tidal barrage and taking the long view of the industrial expansion of the country?

Sir K. Joseph

So important is the matter that I have initiated a study of the water needs and prospects of South Wales as a whole, but I think that my study of the Milford tidal barrage in particular must await a renewed approach by the authorities concerned, if they wish to put it to me again.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that a project like this is very costly for a single town like Swansea or a wider area, but, at the same time, it will, in the long run, be the cheapest for everyone concerned? Will he bear that in mind when considering proposals by Swansea and neighbouring authorities which would involve the drowning of very good agricultural land, so arousing deep emotion in Wales?

Sir K. Joseph

I know the issues involved here, but the fact that the cost of the particular scheme would put it out of court for use in the Swansea area must be borne in mind.

Mr. Donnelly

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is nevertheless incumbent on him, if he is examining the water supplies of South Wales, to look at this scheme? Distance is not such a great problem—60 miles is really nothing in industrial country of this nature. It is really his responsibility, apart from waiting for proposals.

Sir K. Joseph

I am certainly not seeking to avoid responsibility. It is my job to make sure that water is available for the industrial needs of South Wales in future.