§ 26. Mr. Stevensasked the Secretary of State for Energy what support his Department is giving to research and development of tidal power (a) this financial year and (b) in 1987–88.
§ Mr. David HuntIn July last year my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the launch of a major new phase in the United Kingdom's tidal programme, costing £5½ million. This includes advanced investigation into a Severn barrage on a line near to Cardiff and Weston costing £4.2 million, shared equally between the Department, CEGB and the Severn Tidal Power Group: studies into a Mersey Barrage proposed by the Mersey Barrage Company towards which the Department is contributing up to £400,000; and generic studies funded by the Department, including environmental issues, construction techniques and the potential of smaller sites around the United Kingdom. Work on the programme is spread over a number of years; budget provision this year is £0.3 million.