asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will include in his consultations on the studies of the proposed Severn barrage all major contractors involved in the construction of (a) the Thames barrage, (b) the Avon bridge, (c) the Severn bridge and (d) the Humber bridge.

Consultation with all relevant bodies will take place within the programme of studies on tidal power announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy in July last year.