HC Deb 02 November 1987 vol 121 cc640-1
8. Mr. Speller

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a further statement on support for the concept of a Severn tidal barrage and for tidal power as a means of electricity generation.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Tidal power will be encouraged provided it remains economically viable and environmentally acceptable. As a result of present studies, some of which I announced in September, I hope that substantive decisions about the Severn will be taken around the end of next year.

Mr. Speller

I thank my hon. Friend for that most helpful answer, following his most constructive comments in the debate last Friday. Will he bear in mind that people in Britain are very much in favour of renewable energy sourses such as tidal power? They regard the Severn tidal barrage as a flagship for the future of renewables and they will look to the Government for considerable help for that project.

Mr. Spicer

As to help, we are providing one third of the current expenditure of £4.2 million, and that is being spent on the studies that are being carried out on the Severn. As to those studies, we hope to reach a point where decisions can start to be made by the end of next year.

Mrs. Mahon

Tidal power certainly should be an option, since I have recently discovered that trains carrying nuclear waste have passed within 10 yards of houses in my constituency. Will the Minister say what extra safety precautions have been taken to avoid a catastrophe in the event of an accident?

Mr. Speaker

Order. I think that that question goes a little wide of the subject. It is ingenious, but a bit wide.

Mr. Stern

In the light of my hon. Friend's reply, may I ask whether he is satisfied that all the questions that are being and will be asked about the potential environmental and other effects of the barrage will be answered by the end of next year, which is the time that he has set himself to make a decision?

Mr. Spicer

I know that my hon. Friend is knowledgeable on this subject, particularly on the point of silting. I gather that he is carrying out some studies and we look forward very much to hearing their results. We shall take into account anything that my hon. Friend has to say.