HC Deb 09 April 1973 vol 854 cc205-6W
Mr. Michael Cocks

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the sources from which essential additional technical and economic information has been obtained following the submission to him of the Ashton Vale Flood Alleviation Scheme, Colliters Brook, by the Bristol Avon River Authority on 18th April 1972; and how much of this information was available in advance.

Mrs. Fenner

The additional information we asked of the Bristol Avon River Authority was not, of course, included by it in its initial application. Later it became apparent that further trial borings were needed to verify the line of the proposed tunnel.

Mr. Michael Cocks

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the one or two outstanding points which still need clarification before his assessment of the Ashton Vale Flood Alleviation Scheme, Colliters Brook, is complete; what are the sources from which this clarification is being sought; and if his Department will take all possible steps to speed up this work.

Mrs. Fenner

The Bristol Avon River Authority has been asked to provide further information about the frequency of floods in the light of earlier records. We shall deal with this information immediately we get it.

Mr. Michael Cocks

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek details from the Bristol Avon River Authority of the difficulties in the design stage of the Ashton Vale Flood Alleviation Scheme, Colliters Brook, which were not anticipated last year and were mentioned in a letter to Councillor A. E. Hillman, dated 8th March 1973, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Bristol, South.

Mrs. Fenner

It is not necessary for my Department to be aware of every problem that has arisen during the river authority's design of this scheme. The letter referred to has not been received but my officials have asked the river authority to send them a copy.

Mr. Michael Cocks

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will announce the date on which he will give approval to the Ashton Vale Flood Alleviation Scheme, Colliters Brook.

Mrs. Fenner

This scheme will be approved as soon as we are satisfied that it is technically and economically sound.