§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy, in the light of the report by Professor Wilson of Salford university, whether his Department has any plans for constructing small-scale hydroelectric generating plants in Wales; what locations are under consideration; what system of control would be developed for them; and what would be the distribution plans for any electricity thus produced.
§ Mr. MellorThe Department has no plans for constructing small-scale hydroelectric generating plant in Wales, this being the responsibility of individual site owners or the electricity board.
However, following the publication of the Salford university report to establish the practical potential of low head hydro in Wales, Salford university was asked by the Department to carry out a further study. The object of this study is to identify specific schemes in England and Wales to establish their economics and their suitability for the demonstration of the latest technology. This work is still in progress.