asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the present position regarding the proposal to construct several large reservoirs for electricity generation in North Wales; and if he will give an assurance that local authorities and amenity societies will be fully consulted.

The British Electricity Authority recently announced in the Press certain plans which they were considering for the development of hydro-electric power in North Wales. I have received an application for the building and civil engineering work necessary for extending the existing Dolgarrog Catchment Area, and notices of this application have been published and plans deposited for public inspection to give interested parties every opportunity of making representations. As regards the other major projects, the British Electricity Authority have not yet sought the statutory powers which they must have before proceeding with them. The answer to the last part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir."