Dee Estuary

HC Deb 05 November 1973 vol 863 cc601-2

19. Sir John Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has yet come to a decision concerning the Water Resources Board's report on the reclamation of the Dee Estuary.

The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Peter Thomas)

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I have not yet completed our examination of the report, but we expect to make an early announcement.

Sir John Tilney

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that it is two years since he expected to make an early statement and that, whatever may be said about the overheating of the economy in the South and South East, we in the North West have a tepid economy and badly want public works and an improvement in the amenities of our area?

Mr. Thomas

Yes, I am well aware that my hon. Friend and others are concerned that there should be a decision as soon as possible, not only on the Water Resources Board's report but also on the question of the Dee Estuary. I assure him that we hope to make a statement on these matters within a relatively short period of time.

Mr. Barry Jones

What measures have the right hon. and learned Gentleman and his Department taken to assess the feelings of local people on the west side, and to what extent has his Shotton task force taken the scheme into consideration?

Mr. Thomas

As the hon. Gentleman knows, varying views have been expressed, in particular from his part of North-East Wales. All these matters are being taken into account and consideration is being given to the Water Resources Board's report, which is an important element of the scheme.

Sir A. Meyer

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that, thanks to the staggering success of the Government's economic policies, the arguments in favour of an early decision for the Dee barrage are no longer those of a shortage of employment? None the less, an early answer is needed, otherwise we shall get unplanned piecemeal development of something which badly needs regulating by a proper system of highways.

Mr. Thomas

Yes. I appreciate most of what my hon. Friend said. The Question relates mainly to the Water Resources Board's report which is concerned with the wider issue of national water conservation strategy, and the rôle of the Dee Estuary must be considered in the context of its recommendations.