§ Colonel WOODCOCKasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the Report of the Admiralty respecting the proposal of the Severn tidal-power scheme, which makes it apparent that the scheme is an impracticability, he proposes to continue the inquiry by the special committee now sitting?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am not aware of any Report of the nature indicated.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKasked the President of the Board of Trade how many Reports have been made in connection with the Severn tidal-power scheme; if he is still satisfied that he is justified in continuing the expenses incurred in connection with the inquiry; and what is the total amount spent up to date and the total estimated cost of the inquiry?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERLeaving out of account the Report on Tidal Power of the late Water Power Resources Committee, which drew attention to the1628W desirability of investigating the practicability of utilising the Severn tides for power purposes, two Reports have been made by Committees. The first of these dealt with the nature and probable cost of the necessary investigations; the second was concerned merely with the preliminary question whether it would be possible actually to erect a barrage in the Severn. The conclusions reached were such as to justify the continuation of the Inquiry. The cost incurred to date is £2,597. The total cost of the complete Inquiry has been estimated at from £70,000 to £90,000, as my hon. and gallant Friend was informed on 5th August last.