§ 14. Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is yet in a position to report on the consultations with local authorities and other interested parties over the proposals in the Severn barrage committee's report.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithViews and comments by local authorities on the Severn barrage committee's report were fully considered. With regard to the study announced on 12 May, I understand that the Severn tidal power group is in touch with local authorities and will maintain this contact.
§ Mr. ColvinI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Have any representations been received from bodies, 778 public or private, against the proposal for a barrage from Brean Down to Lavernock Point? If so, what? If not, what is causing the Government to drag their feet in implementing the feasibility study recommended by the Bondi committee?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe Government are not dragging their feet. As the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a short time ago, we are financing 50 per cent. of the study that is being carried out. Members of the study will be having discussions not only with local authority representatives, but with the various environmental interests, the Countryside Commission and others. We must see how the group gets on; and, as I said, the Government are committed to the financing of it.