HC Deb 15 November 1989 vol 160 cc300-1W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what evidence he has received that the River Mersey would provide the most cost-efficient site for the construction of a tidal barrage.

Mr. Peter Morrison

A study by Marinetech North West and Rendel Parkman published in 1985 concluded that the economic viability of a Mersey barrage was promising and that further studies were warranted.

The Mersey Barrage Company is currently carrying out further feasibility studies for a barrage, jointly funded by the Department of Energy, to examine the engineering, environmental and regional impact, the economic viability and the choice of barrage alignment.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what studies his Department is undertaking of French experience in successfully operating a tidal barrage scheme.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Over the last ten years the Severn Barrage committee, the Severn Tidal Power Group, the Mersey Barrage Company, Ministers and Officials have visited La Rance tidal power station in Brittany. Many discussions with Electricite de France and French experts have taken place. The United Kingdom studies of tidal barrage schemes take full account of the French experience.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to make a decision on the construction of the Mersey barrage.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The Department of Energy and the Mersey Barrage Company are jointly funding feasibility studies into a Mersey barrage. The studies are being advanced to determine whether the Mersey Barrage Company can make an economic case for construction of a Mersey barrage. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy met the chairman of the Mersey Barrage Company on 14 November to receive a progress report.