Evidence is key to 150 year old Barrage question – German & Webb

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 17th Oct 2008

Evidence is key to 150 year old Barrage question - German & Webb

Following today's meeting of the Severn Power Inquiry co-chairs Steve Webb MP and Mike German AM issued the following statement:

"We have had a very successful first meeting, bringing together elected Liberal Democrats from both sides of the Severn Estuary.

"We've already received a body of written evidence, with more to come. Over the next few meetings we will hear from experts across four distinct areas:

the environmental impact;

the economic impact;

the effect on flooding and flood prevention;

and the rival technologies and schemes.

"We are looking forward to hearing evidence from all sides of the argument. Nothing is pre-judgedThe barrage concept has been kicking around since 1859, but the debate is becoming urgent.

"We will be meeting through the winter and in to Spring and intend to come to conclusion that we can lay as policy before the Federal Party in September 09.

We intend to reach a firm recommendation on how to harness the tidal power of the Severn by then."

Notes:

The Severn Power Inquiry is made up of elected Liberal Democrats at all levels of government from both sides of the River Severn, and is co-chaired by Mike German AM and Steve Webb MP. Today's meeting (Friday) took place at the National Assembly for Wales.

The next meeting will be on 28 November in Portishead.