HC Deb 15 February 1973 vol 850 cc421-4W
Mr. Loveridge

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the studies of the effects of reclamation at Maplin Sands on the currents in the area are expected to be available from Wallingford Hydraulic Establishment; and what other studies are proposed.

Mr. Rippon

Hydraulic studies were undertaken for the Roskill Commission's investigation of the Maplin site. For more detailed design work a large-scale model of the Thames Estuary has been built by the Hydraulic Research Station and is at present being proved. Studies of the effect of various reclamation shapes on sea currents will be starting next month. Other hydraulic studies include wave observations, field work in the area of the Crouch, sea bed sampling, testing of sea wall designs, wave refraction studies and studies on dredged channel and dock systems.

Mr. Loveridge

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what increase in possible flows of water up the Thames will result from the development of the Maplin Sands; how this will affect the proposed barrage; and, in particular, if he will make a statement on the threat of any backwash flooding the banks lower down the river from the barrage, and especially in the London Borough of Havering.

Mr. Rippon

The Hydraulic Research Station advises that the effect of reclamation at Maplin on the present tides in the Thames will be minimal. Consequently, the total discharge of water into the upper Thames Estuary will remain virtually unaffected, and the reclamation will not affect the proposed barrier or create a threat of backwash flooding of the banks downstream of the barrier.

Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the title and origin of the engineering assessment of feasibility and cost on which he based his decisions to introduce the Maplin Development Bill; when this document was made public; and where it is now available.

Mr. Rippon

The research team of the Roskill Commission on the third London airport established the technical feasibility and produced estimated costs of reclaiming a large area of the Maplin Sands (Roskill Report Appendix 13). No new evidence has been produced which invalidates this. The costs quoted in the Maplin Development Bill are based on the Roskill estimates of cost up-dated, and apply to a larger area which includes the seaport.

Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if Her Majesty's Government have made any agreement or arrangement with any public body, company or consortium concerning information or data connected with the proposed reclamation of the Maplin Sands; and if he will make a statement concerning any such agreement and publish its terms.

Mr. Rippon

No agreement or arrangements have been made with private companies or consortia, but we are employing consultants and have placed some small contracts to collect basic engineering data for detailed design work.

Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what agreement he has made with the Port of London Authority concerning the establishment of a deep-water port as part of the Maplin development; what is the minimum acreage of reclaimed land to be devoted to industrial use; and the limits he proposes to place on the types of industries eligible to use these sites.

Mr. Peyton

The Government have agreed in principle to the Port of London Authority's proposals for an oil terminal and a unit-load terminal, but the authority still has to submit a detailed case for authorisation under Section 9 of the Harbours Act 1964.

On industrial land I would refer the hon. Member to the information given during the Second Reading of the Maplin Development Bill by my right hon. and learned Friend and my hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace and Shipping.

Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when he expects to implement the announcement of 9th August 1972 to designate an area or areas of land in South-East Essex for development by a new town development corporation;

(2) what consultations he has had with the Greater London Council and the South-East Planning Council, respectively, concerning his proposals for a new town in South-East Essex to serve the proposed development at Maplin, with particular reference to the need for employment in London.

Mr. Rippon

Proposals for the new town will be published later this year when current studies are complete. I will then be consulting a number of interests, including the South East Economic Planning Council and the Greater London Council.

Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to the improvement and use of existing railway routes to serve the initial passenger requirements of the proposed airport at Maplin.

Mr. Peyton

The Roskill Commission concluded that a new high-speed link to serve Maplin would be necessary from the outset. As I announced on 19th De- cember, the Government agree, with the Commission's view.

Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when he commissioned consultants to survey the possible routes of a new motorway linking London and the proposed airport at Maplin; what firm was retained; what were its terms of reference; when he expects its report; and when it will be published;

(2) when he commissioneds consultants to survey the possible route or route of a new purpose-built rail link between London and the proposed airport at Maplin; what firm was retained; at what fee; when he expects its report; and when it will be published.

Mr. Rippon

Brian Colquhoun and Partners, consulting engineers, were appointed in February 1972 to examine feasible alternative routes, including the practicability of common corridors for the road and rail link, to the proposed airport at Maplin. The fee is on the standard basis. The report of the study is expected shortly. There will be the fullest consultation with all the authorities concerned and an opportunity for public participation before decisions are taken on the route.