HC Deb 30 November 1959 vol 614 cc854-5
23. Mr. Matthews

asked the Minister of Power whether he will state his policy with regard to approval of the West Midlands Gas Board's general programme of capital development which would empower the Board to proceed with the erection of the Lurgi Complete Gasification Plant at Gorsey Lane, Coleshill.

Mr. Wood

I have approved this programme, which includes the Lurgi plant at Coleshill.

Mr. Matthews

Can the Minister tell us how much coal this new plant is expected to consume, and what quality of coal it will use?

Mr. Wood

It will use about 400,000 tons a year. I must be quite frank and tell the House that that will not be a complete addition to the coal requirements, because there will be a certain shutting down of capacity. The coal used will be non-carbonising coal, supplied from pits in the Midlands.