HC Deb 26 February 1948 vol 447 cc2118-9
58. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will name the coal-burning power stations completed since the war or now under construction or projected at which he has not insisted on the most modern methods being used to prevent the pollution of the air by smoke, grit or sulphur oxides from the chimneys, and by dust from the coal unloaded.

Mr. Gaitskell

So far as the prevention of pollution of the air by smoke, grit and coal dust is concerned, the answer is, "None, Sir." Regarding sulphur, there has been no relaxation of the standard condition that the layout of new power stations shall be designed so as to permit of the installation of plant for the prevention of the discharge of sulphur and its compounds into the atmosphere; and that, if so required by the Electricity Commissioners at any time, plant shall be installed for this purpose. The observance of the latter part of this condition has not so far been required by the Commissioners at any new coal-burning power stations since the war, as they have not received evidence to justify such a course.

Mr. Keeling

Was it a mistake when the Minister told me only last week that, generally speaking, the Battersea or Fulham conditions—which, of course, are the most modern methods—imposed by previous Governments, will be imposed in all urban areas from the outset? That is entirely a different answer.

Mr. Gaitskell

I did not go quite so far as the hon. Member suggests—

Mr. Keeling

Oh, yes, the right hon. Gentleman did.

Mr. Gaitskell

I said that generally speaking, the, answer was "Yes," to the supplementary question. I agree that goes too far. I did not have the opportunity at that moment of consulting with technical experts, and I find there are a good many differences of opinion on the technical aspects of the question.

Commander Noble

Would the Minister give an assurance that power stations built before the war will be treated similarly as soon as possible?

Mr. Gaitskell

I have just explained that I really should not have given such a wide assurance last week.

Mr. Gibson

Is it an admitted fact that these power stations do emit an immense amount of sulphur, and is not the policy to get rid of this sulphur emission and will the Minister see that appropriate action is taken at new power stations?

Mr. Gaitskell

I am advised that experts disagree a good deal about the amount of sulphur emitted, and the best way of dealing with it.