HC Deb 18 November 1948 vol 458 cc556-8
39. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if it is still his intention that Bankside Power Station should be oil fired.

Mr. Gaitskell

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Erroll

Does the Minister realise that this extravagant use of fuel oil represents yet a further delay in the return of a more generous allowance of petrol for motorists?

Mr. Gaitskell

This matter was fully debated in the House over a year ago and the circumstances will be familiar to hon. Members. I do not accept the implication that the use of fuel oil for this purpose in 1951 places any restriction on petrol at the moment.

40. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power on what grounds the erection of the new Bankside Power Station has been proceeded with when the results of the tests being under taken to discover whether it would emit fumes harmful to the fabric of nearby buildings will not be available till early next year.

Mr. Gaitskell

As my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Town and Country Planning, explained as long ago as 10th June, 1947, in reply to a similar Question from my hon. Friend, the Government's technical advisers are satisfied that harmful sulphur fumes can be effectively eliminated. The tests on the pilot plant are solely for the purpose of selecting the most efficient method of gas washing. In view of the increasingly urgent need for new generating capacity in London it is only sensible, therefore, to proceed as quickly as possible with the erection of those parts of the station that will not be affected by the type of gas washing plant it is decided finally to instal.

Mr. Keeling

Will the Minister promise, in accordance with the previous pledge given in this House, that if no way is found of making the fumes from this oil fuel harmless to St. Paul's the project will be abandoned?

Mr. Gaitskell

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Town and Country Planning made it perfectly plain that there was no doubt about the practicability of eliminating the fumes. It is a question of the best way of doing it.

Mr. Cooper

Is it not a fact that the most recent designs of power stations, which utilise heating power to the utmost, include district heating, and in those circumstances is it necessary, in fact, to site this new power station so close to the river where it will heat up the water of the Thames?

Mr. Gaitskell

We cannot reopen that subject now.

Mr. Bossom

Can the Minister give the House the name of any plant of this size where it has been effective?

Mr. Gaitskell

I understand that Battersea has a plant of this kind.

Mr. Keeling

As the statement made this afternoon is a flagrant breach of the Government's promise in this House, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.