HC Deb 13 March 1972 vol 833 c15
20. Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a further statement on the Dee barrage proposals.

Mr. Peter Thomas

My right hon Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I are proceeding with our evaluation of this multi-purpose project. There are many matters to be considered and we are not yet ready to announce conclusions.

Mr. Jones

Is it not a fact that the Cabinet is split on this matter?

Mr. Thomas

No. Sir.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

In the event of this scheme materialising, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give an assurance that there will be equality of control as between both sides of the border and that he is instituting a sociological and economic inquiry into the possible consequences of this? Will he say that the water which will be made available for consumption for various reasons as a result of this scheme will make it unnecessary in future to drown Welsh valleys?

Mr. Thomas

These are all very important matters which have to be considered. It gives some indication of the complexity of the whole thing and the reason why very careful thought has to be given before decisions are taken.