HC Deb 31 January 1972 vol 830 cc2-3
2. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether Her Majesty's Government have now come to a decision about the projected reclamation of the Dee Estuary.

9. Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to give his approval to the Dee crossing scheme

Mr. Peter Thomas

As I have told the House previously, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I have this matter under review. We hope to announce our preliminary conclusions as soon as possible

Mr. Tilney

As my right hon. and learned Friend said last year that he hoped to make an announcement early this year, will he bear in mind that this multi-purpose scheme has been under consideration for a decade now, and that there is massive unemployment in the North-West. Is it not time that such a scheme, which is likely to pay for itself and to improve the amenities of the North West, was decided upon?

Mr. Thomas

I appreciate what my hon. Friend says, but this is a very large multi-purpose project of great complexity. It needs to be examined with the greatest care, even before a preliminary conclusion can be reached

Mr. Jones

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman please stop dithering and say "Yes" or "No" and put us out of our misery on this issue? Is he not aware that Humberside has been granted its bridge across the Humber? Is he not further aware that the impression getting around now is that he has been pushed around by the Department of the Environment?

Mr. Thomas

This is a decision which is not taken by me alone. It is a matter of considerable complexity, and I am sure the hon. Gentleman appreciates that each aspect needs to be evaluated separately and all aspects evaluated collectively. I can assure him that there is no question of dithering. We wish to reach a preliminary conclusion as soon as possible.