§ Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what recent studies he has made into the viability of a Severn barrage scheme for producing electricity from tidal power; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EadieThe viability of a Severn barrage was considered in detail earlier36W this year by the Advisory Council on Research and Development. The Central Electricity Generating Board advised on the economics of a barrage as a power generator, while the Department of the Environment advised on transport factors, such as the benefit of a road crossing on the barrage and on the probable environmental costs and benefits of the scheme. The conclusion of the council was that a full feasibility study could not be justified, although some further studies were desirable to throw light on one or two of the more critical technological factors.
§ Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what would be the saving in reduced oil imports if a Severn barrage scheme were built and in full operation.
§ Mr. EadieIt is estimated that the most economically attractive Severn barrage scheme would save just under 2½ million tons oil equivalent of fuel per annum. The effect of a barrage on the consumption of different fuels would depend on a number of factors such as the availability and relative costs of these fuels in the year in which the barrage is assumed to be operating.