Written question asked by Lord Moran (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Vadera (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 June 2008.

Energy: Severn Barrage

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What terms are in the contract with the consultancy firm Parsons Brinckerhoff to prevent them charging more than their initial quotation for analysing how the environment around the Severn estuary would be affected if a tidal range power project went ahead.

Answer: In the tender for the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) submitted by the consortium led by Parsons Brinckerhoff on 21 February 2008, there is a detailed outline for the work on the environmental impacts of proposed tidal power developments in the Severn estuary. This includes studies on hydraulics and geomorphology, flood management, water quality, bird and fish surveys, estuarine and marine ecology surveys and compensation habitat review. If we decide that any extra environmental studies or other work are required in order to complete a good quality environmental report, particularly after the scoping phase of the SEA later this year, then we will agree a price with the contractor as a variation to the current contract.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3794; 702 c101-2WA
Session: 2007-08
Subjects: Contracts Consultants Fees and charges Environment protection Tidal power River Severn
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk