HL Deb 16 February 1987 vol 484 cc860-1

3 p.m.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans exist for exploring the possibilities of generating electricity economically in the United Kingdom from tides.

Viscount Davidson

The Department of Energy is sponsoring a research programme into United Kingdom resources. This includes: a £4.2 million study on the Severn jointly funded with the Central Electricity Generating Board and the Severn Tidal Power Group; secondly, a £400,000 contribution towards studies of the Mersey Barrage; thirdly, a programme of supporting studies including environmental issues, construction techniques and the resource available from small sites. Copies of the proposed work programme on the Severn have been placed in the Library today.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for his reply and for the welcome information that further research is being sponsored. I should like to ask the noble Viscount whether or not it is the Government's intention, as has been reported, that the research should reach a stage within two years where it will be possible to take a definite decision on a Severn Barrage?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, tidal energy is one of the most promising of our renewable energy resources. The programme which we have announced is therefore comprehensive and wide-ranging. It is intended to define so far as possible the potential for economic tidal power regeneration in the United Kingdom. I can confirm to my noble friend that this operation is due to take two years.

Lord Ezra

My Lords, in regard to the Mersey barrage project, is the noble Viscount aware that it is very largely supported by local private interests, and that it is a project which will cost considerably less than the Severn barrage scheme and be completed sooner, and therefore be able to demonstrate more quickly the feasibility of such tidal schemes? In those circumstances, what is the Government's attitude towards the Mersey project?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, I can confirm what the noble Lord, Lord Ezra, has said. The Mersey barrage study has three primary objectives: to identify whether there is any fundamental impediment to a barrage on the Mersey; to determine the most favourable line for construction; and to reappraise and confirm the economic viability of the scheme. Phase 1 of the study is expected to be finished late this year.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, can my noble friend confirm that as part of the Severn barrage scheme a new trunk road may also be constructed across the Severn Estuary?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, perhaps my noble friend may like to read the actual project, a copy of which I have here and which, as I said, is in the Library.

The Earl of Halsbury

My Lords, would the noble Viscount confirm that administrative circles in Brussels are taking an active and lively interest in the possibility of bringing European finance to bear on the construction of the Severn barrage? In view of the liveliness of this approach, are Her Majesty's Government making an equally lively response?

Viscount Davidson

My Lords, I cannot answer the noble Earl's question; but I shall find out and write to him.