§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what are the total estimated costs of dredging the deep-water approach channel to the proposed Maplin seaport to cater for tankers of up to 250,000 tons and up to 500,000 tons, respectively;
(2) what is the proposed minimum width of the deep-water approach channel to the proposed Maplin seaport; what views have been expressed to him about the adequacy and safety of such proposals for large tankers; and what he estimates to be the effect of doubling the minimum width of the channel on the economic viability of the project;
(3) what will be the total length of dredged channel from the outer sea limit to the Maplin seaport; and how far out to sea dredging would have to be undertaken to allow for tankers of up to 500,000 tons.
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§ Mr. PeytonThe information requested will not be available until the Port of London Authority has prepared and submitted firm proposals for its seaport development. The Port of London Authority is, however, keeping closely in touch with the Department of Trade and Industry on matters affecting navigational safety.