37. Miss Wardasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has considered the possibility for new generating plants of firing them by oil instead of coal.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydYes, Sir, I am already studying this matter and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for bringing it forward. The use of oil however arises more helpfully in regard to existing power stations.
§ Mr. HobsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the policy of firing water tube boilers by fuel oil is a very expensive and uneconomic proposition? Further, is he aware that it has a very deleterious effect on men who have to work in the power stations, particularly so far as cleaning of boiler tubes is concerned?
§ Mr. LloydI am advised that it is technically possible, and that in a very acute coal situation it may have to be considered.