1921] on Severn Crossings and Tidal Power 325 



use of the upper estuary on account of the great tidal range and the 

 currents there. 



Further, the locking-basin in the barrage is proposed to be of 

 considerable capacity for ships, and in any case a loop line of railway, 

 with another opening bridge, will be provided on the upstream side 

 of this basin, and so prevent interruption of cross-river traffic. 



These points are to be kept in view for the protection of the river 

 mid dock authorities and shipowners, who, however, should not be 

 allowed to override the reasonable demands of the public and the 

 railway companies and road authorities for proper and convenient 

 river facilities. 



As between the railway and road authorities on the one hand, 

 and the dock and river authorities on the other, I am of opinion 

 there will be little difficulty in obtaining Parliamentary sanction for 

 .a bridge at either site in the first instance. 



It should be first determined, however, whether the Beachley site 

 •or the Severn Tunnel site is the better one for the complete scheme, 

 taking all the really important circumstances into account. 



The next point to be considered is whether the bridge is to be at 

 the low level, with an opening span, or whether it is to be a high-level 

 bridge. 



It should be pointed out, in the first instance, that the Beachley 

 site is not very suitable for a low-level bridge, unless at least a second 

 opening span is made to permit the passage of river traffic on the Wye. 



On the other hand, the site near the Severn Tunnel is not suit- 

 able for a high-level bridge on account of the expense that would be 

 incurred in making approaches thereto. Xo matter which site is 

 chosen, the bridge ought to be designed for both railway and road 

 traffic in the first instance, with the intention of afterwards being 

 used to facilitate the erection of a barrage after the necessary Parlia- 

 mentary authority has been obtained. 



Operations can be started in connection with the bridge as soon 

 as the site has been definitely chosen and the design approved. This 

 would enable additional cross-channel traffic to be handled at the 

 earliest date, while affording facilities for the construction of the 

 barrage when authorised. 



The French Government have a scheme for the utilisation of 

 750,000 horse-power on the PJiine, between Basle and Strasbourg. 

 Britain need not shrink from a proposal for 500,000 horse power 

 installation for a ten-hour working day on the Severn. 



Notwithstanding the careful consideration which has already been 

 given by Messrs. Addenbrooke, Meik and Twinberrow ; Mr. Boving 

 and Mr. Britton ; Mr. Dana, Sir George Darwin and Mr. Davey ; 

 Sir Alexander Gibb and Messrs. Ferguson, Menzies and Maunsell, of 

 the Ministry of Transport ; Prof. Gibson, Mr. Liversedge, Captain 

 Taylor and Prof. Unwin — I am strongly of opinion that, having 

 regard to the enormous importance as well as to the novelty of the 



