HC Deb 26 January 1971 vol 810 cc88-9W
Mr. Alan Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) which Welsh dock interests he consulted in detail prior to reaching his decision on the proposed expansion at Bristol docks;

(2) which British dock interests he consulted before approving the proposed expansion at Bristol docks.

Mr. Peyton

None. The National Ports Council were consulted in accordance with Section 9 of the Harbours Act, 1964.

Mr. Alan Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what rate of return, using the statistical premises applied in assessing the viability of the Bristol West Dock scheme, would be achieved by the proposed Bristol dock expansion scheme; and how this compares with the Government's criteria for public sector investment.

Mr. Peyton

The prospective rate of return is better than the minimum test rate of discount adopted in assessing public sector investment.

Mr. Alan Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the anticipated rate of return on the proposed Bristol dock expansion meets the Government's criteria for public sector investment.

Mr. Peyton

Yes.

Mr. Alan Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what volume of trade he estimates would be needed to make the proposed Bristol dock investment viable by standards required for investment in the public sector;

(2) what value of trade he estimates would be needed to make the proposed Bristol dock investment viable by standards required for investment in the public sector;

(3) if he will publish the statistical data which he took into account in assessing the impact of the proposed Bristol dock expansion upon the South Wales docks.

Mr. Peyton

It would not be right for me to disclose commercial forecasts supplied to me in confidence.

Mr. Alan Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which of the South Wales ports he estimates would offer at least the same rate of return on a similar capital investment as that expected to be achieved by the expansion proposed at Bristol docks.

Mr. Peyton

I am unable to hazard a guess at the answer to such a Question.