§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies his Department has commissioned into the environmental effects of constructing barrages in English and Welsh estuaries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-Amory[holding answer 13 March 1990]: Studies on the environmental effects of constructing barrages in English and Welsh estuaries are being undertaken as part of a wide-ranging programme of research and development related to the proposals for barrages on the Mersey and Severn in England and Cardiff bay and Conwy in Wales. This work is funded by the Government, the electricity industry and the barrage promoters. The Nature Conservancy Council has also undertaken relevant work and my Department is kept informed on the progress of these environmental impact studies.