§ Mr. OnslowTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking in advance of any schemes to construct a barrage on the estuaries of the Severn and Wye, and of the Usk, to establish the state of migratory fish stocks in these rivers.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe proposal for a tidal barrage on the Severn is being studied under a programme funded by the Department of Energy, the CEGB and the Severn tidal power group. A series of environmental assessments—including, I understand, one of the impact on migratory fish stocks—has been commissioned as part of the study. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I will need to be consulted in due course about any firm plans to take these proposals forward in view of our responsibilities for fisheries. We shall also wish to discuss any proposals with the relevant water authorities in view of their responsibilities for assessing the status of migratory fish stocks as part of their statutory duties under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.