§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the current quality and quantity and variety of wild life in the De Estuary; what is his estimate of the disturbance or elimination of this wild life when the De Barrage Scheme is initiated; if he is satisfied that all possible steps will be taken to safeguard wild life; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe wild life in the estuary and possible effects on it of a crossing are described in the memorandum by the Nature Conservancy which forms Appendix Fl of the Report "Dee Crossing Study Phase 1" published by H.M.S.O. in 1967. The Conservancy has been associated with subsequent work and a further report will be made when 489W more detailed studies have been carried out. The effects on wild life will naturally be among the issues to be taken into account when the proposal for a Dee Crossing comes to be considered.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what spare capacity in the storage ponds for flood retention at times of high tide to avoid flooding agricultural land will be provided by means of separate or combined storage with tidal sluices in the proposed Dee Barrage Scheme.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe precise proposals in respect of storage capacity and the position of the tidal sluices will be made known when the consultants' recommendations are published in their forthcoming Report.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the effect of the Dee Barrage Scheme on coastal erosion and deposition.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasIt would be premature to make an estimate at this stage. The effects of various estuary shapes and of works within the estuary on accretion and erosion are being studied and the results of these studies will be incorporated in the consultants' report to be published next Spring.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the effect of the Dee Barrage Scheme on the salmon fishing industry; and what compensation will be payable to affected fishermen.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe scheme, if it is proceeded with would include fish passes and other devices and should not involve material interference with the salmon fishing industry. This matter will however be dealt with fully in the consultants' report and will be carefully considered along with other implications of the proposed crossing.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate has been reported to him by the river authority of the effect of the Dee Barrage Scheme on land drainage and agriculture.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasRepresentatives of the Dee and Clwyd River Authority are490W in continuous consultation with the consultants on these aspects of the scheme, which will be dealt with in the consultants' report.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the effect of the Dee Barrage project on navigation.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe need to maintain navigational facilities, in particular to the Port of Mostyn, is being given careful consideration as part of the current studies.