HC Deb 02 February 1953 vol 510 c1458
28. Mr. Popplewell

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give an assurance that the electric power generating plant to be built at Stella, County Durham, will be fitted with the most up-to-date smoke and pollution prevention apparatus; and when he hopes similar fitments will be installed at Dunston power station.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Yes, Sir, I am so informed. The new station at Dunston has the apparatus, but it has not been working properly and the engineers are trying to improve it.

Mr. Popplewell

Does the Minister appreciate the satisfaction that the first part of that answer will give? One would like to see the project go ahead as quickly as possible in view of the shortage of electricity in the North-East. Will the Minister see that as far as the equipment at Dunston is concerned the utmost effort will be made to get the apparatus to work again as soon as possible? It is creating a nuisance at present.

Mr. Lloyd

Yes, Sir. It is the most modern type and, unfortunately, it is a characteristic of this apparatus that it is rather difficult to get it run in and functioning properly in the first instance.

Mr. Popplewell

When will it be effective again?

Mr. Lloyd

It will take some months.