§ Mr. SternTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) how much of the tonnage of rock likely to be required for a Severn tidal barrage will come from the limestone quarries of the Mendips and south Wales; whether studies are proceeding as to the likely social effects of such quarrying; and whether studies are proceeding as to the likely effects of such quarrying on road and rail links;
(2) what are his latest estimates of the overall capital cost of a Severn tidal barrage at current prices;
(3) what assessment he has made of the implications of electricity privatisation on (a) the programme studies into the effect of the proposed Severn tidal barrage, (b) the consideration in committee of these studies, (c) consultation with the public and (d) the consultation process with the European Community;
(4) what substantive decisions have been made with regard to a Severn tidal barrage since November 1987; and if he will make a statement;
(5) when he expects the results of the further studies into the feasibility of a Severn tidal barrage to be available; and what form their publication will take;
(6) whether longer-term studies into potential damage to sensitive wildfowl species including wildlife and waders arising from the building of the proposed Severn tidal barrage will be undertaken before a decision is reached on the building of the barrage;
(7) which organisations will be represented on the committee to evaluate the information generated by the studies into a Severn tidal barrage; who will be the members; how significant environmental interests will be represented; and how regional industrial and service interests will be represented.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerStudies of a Severn tidal energy barrage are nearing completion and I expect to receive a report in the next few months. A summary document of the work will be published in the energy paper series, and supporting reports by the Severn tidal power group will also be published. It is premature at this stage for me to comment on the results of the study or any further work which may be necessary. Whilst the current work includes a study of regional aspects of the barrage project, financial and related issues will be examined in the time-scale of the privatisation of the electricity supply industry.