HC Deb 12 March 1981 vol 1000 cc406-7W
Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether his Department has made any estimate of the comparative costs of construction projects in the water industry employing the rolled concrete process for dam construction and orthodox methods.

Mr. Giles Shaw

No. The evaluation of alternative forms of construction is a matter for the promoting authority having regard to environmental, foundation and other matters specific to the particular site under consideration. My Department is aware, however, of the technique which appears to hold promise of significant savings in construction costs where site conditions are favourable.

Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the South-West water authority pressing for an early start on construction of the Milton Brook dam near Bideford using the rolled concrete process.

Mr. Giles Shaw

In 1979 the South-West water authority sought an increase in capital allocation and cash limit specifically for the Milton Brook dam project, but in the light of the overriding need to contain public expenditure, this had to be refused.

Although the authority had intended to start the project in 1981, current financial constraints have caused it to postpone it in favour of other projects to which it accords higher priority.