§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will state the cost of the full Morecambe Bay Feasibility Survey and of the minor Survey now proposed, per annum and for how many years.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES (LORD MITCHISON):My Lords, the consultants estimated in July that their proposals for the Morecambe Bay Barrage feasibility studies would cost £324,000, falling in the current and the three subsequent financial years as £80,000, £100,000, £90,000 and £54,000. The aim of the preliminary study now authorised is to discover the quantity of water the barrage is likely to make available, the best way of making that water potable and the probable cost of making it available for use where required. This study will take about six months and is unlikely to cost more than £15,000.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that within the last few days, since I put down this Question, it has been stated in the newspapers that three universities in the North-West of England have joined together to make a study of this matter? In view of its great importance to the area, to Manchester and to Lancashire generally, will the Government aid and help that university inquiry, perhaps financially, but certainly by making expert advice available?
§ LORD MITCHISONYes, my Lords, I have seen the newspaper reports, and of course this is a very interesting and hopeful development. There is, however, first the preliminary study to which I have been referring, the minor one referred to by the noble Lord in his Question, and that, I think, raises preliminary questions which will have to be considered before we can embark on the further inquiry in which the universities are anxious, and I hope will be able, to help.