HL Deb 18 June 1984 vol 453 cc143-4WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are aware of a proposal by the Severn Trent Water Authority to carry out drainage works on the River Perry in Shropshire, and whether they will state:

  1. (a) what financial benefit they expect to accrue as a result of the investment of public money in this scheme;
    2. 144
  2. (b) what area of land they estimate will become available for agricultural production, or will be converted from its existing agricultural use to more intensive agricultural production, as a result of the scheme;
  3. (c) the results of the cost benefit analysis carried out into this scheme;
  4. (d) whether they have received any representations from local residents suggesting that the damage that this scheme will cause to wildlife conservation and landscape interests in the area is not justified by the possible benefits of the scheme;
  5. (e) whether they can confirm that the district council concerned were not consulted until the water authority's staff called on owners of property adjoining the river to discuss the scheme; and
  6. (f) how many landowners will benefit because of enhanced land values and increased income from agricultural production as a result of this scheme.

Lord Beistead

The Severn Trent Water Authority has submitted a scheme for drainage works on the River Perry at an estimated cost of ₣ 1.21 million. The scheme was approved in principle for grant aid on 31st August 1983. The responses to the detailed questions raised by the noble Lord are as follows:

  1. (a) the benefits accruing from the proposed scheme amount to ₣ 2.8 million over 25 years:
  2. (b) the area of land to benefit through increased agriculture production is 1,823 hectares;
  3. (c) the scheme has a cost benefit ratio of 1:1.36;
  4. (d) one local resident has made representations to the Ministry about conservation issues;
  5. (e) I understand that the district council was consulted about the scheme's proposals before the water authority discussed them with landowners;
  6. (f) about 45 landowners will derive benefits from the drainage works.