HC Deb 29 April 1969 vol 782 c1128
1. Mr. Palmer

asked the Minister of Power what action he proposes to take on the recommendations of the Committee under the chairmanship of Sir Alan Wilson, appointed to inquire into delays in the commissioning of power stations.

The Minister of Power (Mr. Roy Mason)

I am sorry that I have nothing to add to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Middleton and Prestwich (Mr. Coe), on 17th March.—[Vol. 780, c. 48.]

Mr. Palmer

In view of the urgency of many of these matters, has my right hon. Friend set any time limit to action?

Mr. Mason

Not at this stage. It is a lengthy Report, and it is having to be studied urgently with the Ministry of Technology and the C.E.G.B. As soon as I have further information, I will let the House know.

Mr. Lubbock

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that one of the Committee's recommendations was a long-term programme for the authorisation and construction of power stations? Is it not, therefore, a matter of extreme urgency to reach agreement with the Central Electricity Generating Board as to what stations will be authorised for this year?

Mr. Mason

It is not as urgent as the hon. Gentleman suggests. He is aware of the present margin of capacity.