§ 18. Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if estimates were obtained to enable the 25 new generating stations which are now being built to use their waste heat for district heating; and what additional cost this would have entailed.
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Gaitskell)I understand that no such estimates were obtained in connection with these generating stations, the plans for which were, of course, made at least two years ago.
§ Mr. BossomIs it not an absolute scandal, when we are investing this tremendous amount of money in the provision of 25 new generating stations, that if we had only taken the trouble to get a few estimates we could have made use of this waste heat for district heating on a wide scale in many places?
§ Mr. GaitskellI would not agree with the facile conclusions of the hon. Member, but if it was a scandal it is not one for which the Government have any responsibility.
§ Sir W. WakefieldWhat development plans now exist for furthering district heating?
§ Mr. GaitskellWherever a local authority wishes to consider a district heating scheme in connection with the 2154 building of a new power station, the British Electricity Authority are always ready to discuss the matter. Furthermore, when discussions take place with local planning authorities about the site, the question is considered at that stage.