HC Deb 13 November 1947 vol 444 cc531-2
36. Mr. Thomas Reid

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what was the potential output capacity of serviceable electricity generating plant in July, 1945; and what is it in November, 1947.

Mr. Gaitskell

The potential output capacity of serviceable generating plant under the control of the Central Electricity Board was 10,317,000 kilowatts on 1st July, 1945, and 10,717,000 kilowatts on 1st November, 1947.

Mr. Reid

May I ask if all the old, unserviceable plant has been repaired and put into use?

Mr. Gaitskell

By no means.

41. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he can provide a list of the new power stations which are at present under construction or under consideration; and what period is expected to elapse in each case before the station is completed.

Mr. Gaitskell

As the answer is necessarily rather long, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The following is a list of the new power stations under construction or under consideration. It does not include extensions or reconstructions of existing stations. Usually the plant is installed in stages over a considerable period, and in many cases the plant as at present planned represents only a part of the ultimate capacity of the station. It is therefore not possible to give precise figures for the completion dates of the stations. Current will be sent out from these stations as each stage is completed and the plant brought into commission:

Meaford. Carrington.
Braehead. Wigan.
Cliff Quay. Skelton Grange.
Kingston. Staythorpe.
Birkenhead. Usk Mouth.
Croydon. Huncoat.
Rye House. Tilbury.
Brunswick Wharf. Carmarthen Bay.
Poole.

42. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what is expected to be the increase in electrical generating capacity in this country during 1947and 1948 respectively; and to what extent the capacity for electrical generating is expected to fall short of potential demand in 1948.

Mr. Gaitskell

The net increase in output capacity under the control of the Central Electricity Board is expected to be about 300,000 kilowatts in 1947 and about 1,000,000 kilowatts in 1948. The output capacity in the early months of 1948, when the heaviest strain will be imposed on the power stations, may fall short of maximum potential demand—without allowing for "staggering"—by one to two million kilowatts, according to the state of the weather.