HC Deb 05 February 1948 vol 446 c1879
7. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Fuel what progress has been made with the experiments for eliminating sulphur from oil fuel; and whether he can confirm the assurance given by the Government in May last that such elimination is a sine qua non of the scheme for an oil-burning power station at Bankside.

Mr. Gaitskell

The pilot gas-washing plant which will be used to determine the most efficient type of installation for the Bankside Power Station is expected to be ready for operation by June of this year. The answer to the second part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir."

Mr. Keeling

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why the work on Bankside appears to be in progress if this sine qua non has not yet been achieved?

Mr. Gaitskell

I will look into it, but I can give an assurance again that it will not be completed unless we are satisfied that no sulphur fumes will be produced.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Will the right hon. Gentleman also give an assurance that in no circumstances will there be an attempt to rebuild or enlarge the Bank-side power station to run it on coal?

Mr. Gaitskell

Those assurances have been given more than once, and I am happy to repeat them.