HC Deb 18 February 1965 vol 706 cc1340-1
5. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will initiate a review of the various schemes for tidal barrages, particularly on the north-west coast of the United Kingdom, such review to take into account up-to-date figures with regard to the economic benefits such barrages could bring in respect of water and power supplies and better road communications.

57. Mr. Peter Mahon

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what steps he proposes to take to investigate the case for the Morecambe barrage and other similar barrage schemes.

Mr. William Rodgers

Proposals for barrage schemes in the Solway Firth, Morecambe Bay and the Dee Estuary are already being carefully examined in the context of regional economic planning. It is hoped to make a statement shortly about the Government's conclusions.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Would the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this is not just a matter of the generation of electricity, although barrages may be on the verge of being economic for the purpose, but that, taking into account the use of barrages for roads and the conservation of water, they may well be fully economic in the future.

Mr. Rodgers

We recognise that. There are very many factors which should be taken into account.

Mr. Heath

The first study for the Morecambe scheme, in particular, was put in hand by us when we were in power and would have helped us to decide whether there should be a full feasibility study of the scheme, which might cost up to £250,000. The result of that study was expected last October. Has it been received? Will the hon. Gentleman be able to announce a decision about the next stage of the feasibility study in his statement?

Mr. Rodgers

That is certainly what we wish to do. There is no wish on our part to delay matters. But it was most important to consider all these schemes together and not the merit of any one of them in isolation.

Mr. Mapp

In considering sympathetically, as he is doing, the feasibility scheme for the Morecambe Bay barrage, will my hon. Friend remember that that is a long-term project and that it should not hamper in any way the many short-term water requirements of the Manchester conurbation?

Mr. Rodgers

We certainly recognise that there is an immediate problem here. Although we are looking at the possibility of such a feasibility study, a full inquiry, which itself would be very expensive, would take some time. We will not delay in dealing with important short-term needs.