HC Deb 19 July 1971 vol 821 cc1023-4
16. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when a decision will now be made on the multi-purpose Dee Barrage scheme.

Mr. Peter Thomas

The views of the local planning authorities and others are being sought on the complex of proposals for a crossing. It is too early to say when a decision will be reached.

Mr. Tilney

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this scheme will give a good return in the social, recreational and transport aspects? As it has been discussed for years, if not decades, is it not time that a decision was reached?

Mr. Peter Thomas

As my hon. Friend will appreciate, the engineering consultants' report has been published only re- cently and that deals with very diverse matters such as road communications, water services, fisheries, recreational amenities, and industrial, shopping and residential development. It is important that this report should be properly considered. I assure my hon. Friend that we will not drag our feet on this matter.