HC Deb 04 April 1967 vol 744 cc2-3
2. Mr. Anderson

asked the Minister of Power if he will give details of the discussions he has held concerning the scheme of a Bristol consulting engineer to harness the power of the Severn to generate electricity and create an enclosed harbour in the estuary which would be relevant to the Severn project.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Mr. Reginald Freeson)

This cheme was considered by the Department's scientific staff, but as the proposals did not include an economic appraisal, a full examination of the project could not be made. The scheme could, of course, be further examined if a prima facie economic case were made out on the basis of fuller information.

Mr. Anderson

I was hoping for a more forthcoming reply. Could my hon. Friend say whether the Department is willing to embark on a feasibility study, as this scheme could bring very great benefits to the two relevant development regions in the South-West and in Wales?

Mr. Freeson

The position is that following the earlier submission on this scheme we have been in touch with the proposers and have been awaiting any further submission which would provide the prima facie economic case we would wish to consider. I understand that the C.E.G.B. has considered the scheme briefly, but from the information submitted it is only fair to say that it has expressed doubts whether the scheme could be developed at a low enough cost to make it economically attractive.

Mr. Corfield

In view of the number of electricity generating plants in the area, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the whole of south Gloucestershire and the Cotswold escarpment is becoming a cat's cradle of cables and will he bear that in mind before he establishes any more in the area?

Mr. Freeson

I am very conscious of the concern of hon. Members and others outside the House with regard to overhead cables. My hon. Friend referred to the possibility of a feasibility study, which would take account, of course, of all other facilities in the area.

Mr. Wilkins

Would my hon. Friend remember that there is no need for a feasibility study? There was a committee in 1933—I was a member of it—which studied the report in the inter-war years. So all the data on the subject of the Severn barrage are already available.

Mr. Freeson

I would hesitate to say that this is one of a countless number of schemes, but I understand that over the years several schemes have been considered by the Department. Therefore, it would be even more important, if this scheme were to be proceeded with, to have a feasibility study.

Mr. Palmer

Would not my hon. Friend agree that the proposed scheme has become much more topical now because of the development, for instance, in France of the Rance barrage? Might we not expect a little more progress on an issue of this kind?

Mr. Freeson

I thought that my opening answer was not all that unsympathetic. I stated that if a further submission were made which provided prima facie economic evidence to pursue the matter, we would consider it further.