HC Deb 19 December 1988 vol 144 cc46-7W
Mr. Devlin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last discussed the construction of a barrage on the River Tees with the chairman of the Teesside development corporation; and what conclusions were reached.

Mr. Trippier

The Secretary of State has not discussed the proposal with the chairman of the Teesside development corporation, but there have been discussions between the Department and the corporation at official level, and the Secretary of State was content for the private Bill to be laid.

Mr. Devlin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what responses have been received by the Teesside development corporation to the consultation carried out with regard to the proposal to build a barrage on the River Tees.

Mr. Trippier

Teesside development corporation has, to date, received over 140 replies to the questionnaire (and information leaflet) on the proposed barrage, which were distributed to all households in the Stockton area. The corporation has also received a substantial response to its consultation with private companies, local and public authorities, and appropriate local and national bodies. In addition, the corporation has held three public meetings and has, on request, discussed its proposals at separate meetings with various organisations and individuals.

Mr. Devlin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to undertake a full environmental assessment study of the proposal by the Teesside development corporation to build a barrage on the River Tees.

Mr. Trippier

Since the Tees barrage proposal would be approved by a private Act of Parliament, the provisions of the European Community directive on environmental assessment and the regulations implementing it do not apply. However, I understand that the Teesside development corporation has commissioned the preparation of an environmental assessment.

Mr. Devlin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many objections have been lodged against the proposal by the Teesside development corporation to build a barrage on the River Tees.

Mr. Trippier

No objections to the River Tees barrage and crossing private Bill have yet been lodged.