§ 3. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has received the report of the Water Resources Board; and when he will come to a decision concerning the reclamation of the Dee estuary.
§ 4. Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the announcement of a decision on the Dee crossing scheme.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe report of the Water Resources Board is expected in March or April. A decision on the Dee estuary scheme will be announced as soon as possible thereafter.
§ Mr. TilneyWhen my right hon. and learned Friend has looked at the report, will he bear in mind the general lack of amenity in the North West and the immense help which such a multi-purpose scheme could give to both employment and the environment?
§ Mr. ThomasYes, Sir.
§ Mr. JonesDoes the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise that people in my constituency will not want a crossing foisted upon them purely as some sort of conscience money consequent upon the closure of steelmaking at Shotton? Will he understand that our priority there is still the retention of steelmaking at Shotton?
§ Mr. ThomasYes, I appreciate that point of view which has been expressed.
§ Sir A. MeyerNotwithstanding what has been said by the hon. Member for Flint, East (Mr. Barry Jones), will my right hon. and learned Friend take it that a decision to go ahead with a Dee crossing would transform the economic atmosphere of that part of the country and the spin-off effects might be very great?
§ Mr. ThomasThat is another point of view which has been equally and forcefully put to me.