§ 32. Mr. Marplesasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what method is employed by the Central Electricity Board to check the efficiency of the power stations throughout Great Britain.
§ Mr. ShinwellContinuous records are kept of the fuel consumed and the units generated at each station controlled by the Central Electricity Board, and from these the thermal efficiencies are calculated.
§ Mr. MarplesIs it not a fact that the calorific value of the coal determines in a large measure the efficiency of the power stations? What steps are taken to check the calorific value of the coal delivered to the power stations?
§ Mr. ShinwellThe hon. Member is quite right. The thermal efficiency does affect the actual supply of electricity. We are doing our best to supply the right quality of coal and to have regard to the design of the boiler plant, although it is not always possible to do so.
§ Mr. MarplesWhat checks are taken by the Ministry to determine the calorific value?
§ Mr. ShinwellOn the one hand, we are in the closest association with the National 642 Coal Board for the supply of the coal, and on the other, with the Central Electricity Board who are in touch with the electricity Board, who are in touch with the electricity undertakings.