§ Mr. Sternasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will publish details of the research programme into the proposed Severn barrage; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will outline the proposed consultation procedures with conservation and other interests while the research into the proposed Severn barrage proceeds;
(3) if he will make it his policy that the study team on the Severn barrage will, in connection with the construction of a lock or locks for shipping, consult with port authorities, existing port users, major industries already established in the region and potential users of the Severn estuary on an international basis;
(4) if he will place in the Library a list of the interested parties with whom it is intended that consultation should take place on the lock or locks necessary for ships in the proposed Severn barrage.
§ Mr. David HuntDiscussions with the Central Electricity Generating Board and the Severn tidal power group on the work programme and consultation arrangements for the Severn estuary studies are expected to be completed shortly. It is intended that the work programme should be widely circulated for comment initially and that there should be ongoing consultation with all interested parties. I shall place copies of the work programme and the proposed arrangements for consultation in the Libraries of both Houses as soon as they are available.