§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the cost so far of 456W conducting tests at the Hydraulics Research Establishment in connection with the Dee Barrage Research Programme; if he will estimate the likely cost of future tests; when such tests are likely to be concluded; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Thomas£78,000 was paid for work undertaken up to 1967. Studies which have been undertaken since then and future studies are expected to cost a further £74,000. The bulk of the work should be completed by next Spring and all of it during 1971.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the major research programme at present being undertaken on the River Dee on the techniques of regulating the flow of rivers; when the study will be completed; who the participants are; what benefits will accrue to North Wales counties; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe 14 projects carried out as part of the research programme were concerned with the development of improved techniques for forecasting river flows and levels; an economic study of the consequences of flooding and of the recreational value of the lakes, reservoirs and rivers in the Dee catchment; a programme of operational research to simulate the river system and test the effect of a wide range of control strategies, and the installation and operation of a comprehensive telemetry system.
The studies have been completed. Among the bodies which took part in the programme are the Water Resources Board, Dee and Clwyd River Authority, Water Research Association, and the Meteorological Office. Until the report on the project has been produced it is not possible to say, precisely, what benefits will accrue to North Wales, but it is expected that it will lead to a more effective system of flood prevention and control of river flows.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the fee given for the Shankland-Cox Report on the Dee barrage and new town scheme; and how this fee was met, proportionally, by the two city councils, the river authority and the central Government.
457W
§ Mr. Peter Thomas£67,719, paid wholly by the Government.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what were the reasons given for rejecting the rail crossing on the Dee Barrage Scheme.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasAfter consultation with the British Railways Board the consultants who undertook Phase 1 of the Dee Crossing Study concluded that such a link could not be justified on economic grounds. The detailed arguments will be found in the report "Dee Crossing Study Phase 1", published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office in 1967.