§ Mr. Selwyn Lloydasked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources if he will now make a statement about the Dee Crossing Scheme.
§ Mr. WilleyYes; after consultation with the Dee and Clwyd River Authority, who have commissioned a model of the Dee estuary from the Hydraulics Research Station at Wallingford, and the Cheshire and Flintshire County Council, I have asked Messrs. Binnie and Partners to conduct a first stage study into the feasibility of a Dee crossing. This will include an appraisal study of the various possible benefits, the best line or lines for the crossing and the consequential effects on other matters, together with some boring and seismic studies. It is expected to cost about £50,000. The consultants are already at work and I hope to receive their report in 9–12 months' time.