HC Deb 23 May 1966 vol 729 cc5-6W
50. Mr. Booth

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources, in view of the recent decision of the Minister of Housing and Local Government regarding the controlled quantities of water which Manchester may be allowed to take from Ullswater and Windermere, if he will take the necessary steps to ensure that the results of the feasibility survey for the Morecambe Barrage Scheme are made available as quickly as possible.

57. Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources whether any conclusions have been reached by those responsible for the feasibility survey of the Morecambe Bay Barrage Scheme which point to the scheme being found to be feasible; and on what approximate date water from the scheme may become available to the North-West for supply.

Mr. Willey

The report on the desk study of the project should be completed early in July and will be published as soon as possible thereafter. The report will indicate the quantity of water which a barrage would make available, the problems associated with making the water potable, and the probable cost, but it will not establish whether a barrage would be practicable. On the most optimistic assumptions, a barrage would not make water available for supply until the early 1980's.

Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what progress is being made with the feasibility studies for the Morecambe and Solway Barrage Schemes.

Mr. Willey

The Water Resources Board expect to receive the consulting engineers' reports on the desk studies for both these projects during the first week of July. These reports constitute the first stage of the feasibility studies.