To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what help he will give to promote the construction of tidal barrages in the Severn and the Mersey estuaties.
As part of our on-going research programme on renewable energy technologies, my Department is making funds available to assist feasibility studies for tidal energy barrages on the Severn and Mersey estuaries. As I announced on 30 August 1990, £456,000 is to be contributed to new environmental studies by the
| Male establishments | Female establishments | Young offender institutions | ||||
| Granted | Failed to return on time | Granted | Failed to return on time | Granted | Failed to return on time | |
| 1987 | 6,095 | 330 | 226 | 20 | 1,458 | 56 |
| 1988 | 10,472 | 712 | 435 | 28 | 1,559 | 69 |
| 1989 | 14,611 | 1,092 | 411 | 14 | 2,611 | 129 |
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent on home leave and temporary release for prisoners in 1987–88, 1988–89 and 1989–90, respectively.
Figures collected centrally do not distinguish between expenditure on home leave and other forms of temporary release. The table details payments made to prisoners on all forms of temporary release Severn Tidal Power Group. Also, up to £1–5 million is being made available for a third phase of feasibility studies by the Mersey Barrage Company.In regard to the Mersey barrage, a ministerial committee has been established under my chairmanship with the following terms of reference and departmental membership:
To consider the proposed Mersey barrage and, in particular, to address key issues such as:
- the value of the project
- the role of non-energy costs and benefits
- the evaluation of the effects of barrage construction and operation on regional development and other legitimate interests.
To explore ways in which the various government departments which might be involved in or affected by such a project can best co-operate in order to ensure that all the necessary information is brought to bear in the most effective way during such consideration.
Departmental Membership:
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
- Employment
- Energy
- Environment
- Social Security
- Trade and Industry
- Transport
- Treasury
- Welsh Office