§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is aware of the proposals for a Thames barrage to produce a tideless river in the London reaches; and whether, in view of the importance of this project to any plan for the reconstruction of London, he, in consultation with the Ministers of Transport and Health, will cause a public inquiry to be held at which all bodies of opinion may, for the first time, publicly be heard.
§ Mr. SilkinYes, Sir. I am aware that a scheme has been put forward by the Thames Barrage Association. I do not, however, consider that the effect of the project on plans for the reconstruction of London would be such as to warrant at present the exhaustive investigations which would be necessary in view of the many interests affected and the conflicting technical opinions held. My right hon. Friends the Ministers of Health and Transport concur in the view that a public inquiry cannot be contemplated at the present time.