asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he has yet completed his consultations with local authorities and other bodies in connection with the project for a Thames flood barrier; and if he will make a statement.

Recent discussions with the principal authorities concerned and with the consulting engineers reveal that there are still reservations about the effect of a barrier on navigation and in other ways. I hope shortly to put to these authorities suggestions as to how further technical study of these difficulties may best be undertaken.