HC Deb 06 May 1957 vol 569 cc626-7
35. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Pay master-General, in view of his declared intention to build only nuclear energy electricity generating plants after 1970, what consideration he has given to the technical possibilities of converting coal-fired plant to nuclear energy as the coal-fired plant becomes obsolete.

Mr. Maudling

Such conversion is not at present a practical proposition, but it is a possibility that will be kept carefully under review. No decision has yet been taken to cease building conventional stations after 1970 or any other date.

Mr. Roberts

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to set up a committee to inquire whether it is technically possible to do this?

Mr. Maudling

I do not think there is any need for a committee, because the Atomic Energy Authority has this matter very much under consideration. The problem at the moment is that the temperature and pressure of the steam in conventional and nuclear stations is very different. With technical development on the nuclear side, this may become possible; but I can assure the hon. Member that it is being kept very much in mind.