§ 28. Lieut.-Colonel Sharpasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is the estimated peak-load capacity of the electric grid system during the coming winter and the estimated peak-load demand that will be made upon it.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe maximum capacity of generating plant operated under the control of the Central Electricity Board is 10,689,000 kilowatts, but deductions must be made for plant being unavailable owing to breakdowns, overhaul, etc. It is estimated, therefore, that not more than 8,738,000 kilowatts can be relied on for this winter. In severe weather it is estimated that the maximum simultaneous demand will be about 10,000,000 kilowatts.
§ Lieut.-Colonel SharpCan the Minister say whether the present cutting off of electricity supplies is due to shortage of generating plant or to shortage of coal, and if to the former will he ensure that overall priority is given to the Central Electricity Board for the supply of the generating plant which they so urgently require?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am informed by the Central Electricity Board that when occasionally the load has to be shed, it is due to the absence of adequate plant. As regards priority, that is taken into account, but of course there are other priorities to be considered.