HC Deb 14 November 1962 vol 667 cc367-9
27. Mr. J. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to the recommendation of the Mackenzie Committee that a new coal-fired electricity generating station should be constructed in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Leburn

The Mackenzie Committee concluded that, if the price is competitive, there could be a major new coal-fired station in addition to the coal-fired station already approved for construction at Cockenzie. The South of Scotland Electricity Board has recently appointed consulting engineers to prepare a report on the problems in- volved in providing the additional generating, capacity that will be needed after the Cockenzie station is completed in 1968.

Mr. Hill

Will the Minister prevail upon his right hon. Friend to authorise the construction of this new power station, because it could mean the difference between thousands of miners being employed, as against their being unemployed? Will he also consider the fact that we are expecting new industries coming to Scotland, and that when we get them we shall need much more electricity than we have at the moment? In these circumstances, will the Minister go into the question again and authorise the construction of this coal-fired power station?

Mr. Leburn

I am aware of the importance of this decision to the coal industry in Scotland. I am keeping in touch with the Electricity Board on the matter, but the next step is for the board to consider the report of its consultants, once this is available.

Mr. Fraser

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if a decision on this matter is delayed too long there will be no possibility of going ahead with the coal-fired power stations in Scotland, because the pits which otherwise would supply the coal will have been closed, not because there is no coal there—there is enough coal there to take them well beyond the end of the century—but because the market will not be there? Will he see that all these considerations are taken into account at a very early date and see if he can reach a decision on this matter?

Mr. Leburn

Certainly. The Electricity Board is in touch with the National Coal Board on this matter, and, further, I must inform the hon. Gentleman that the Electricity Board expects its consultants' report early next year.

29. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give a general direction to the Scottish Electricity Boards to formulate a longterm programme for electricity production and a forecast of the coal required, in order that the local authorities in Scotland and the National Coal Board can plan with knowledge of future prospects.

Mr. Leburn

The boards already plan their electricity programmes as far ahead as is practicable, bearing in mind the Changes in demand and development in techniques that are taking place.

Mr. Woodburn

As the Secretary of State of Scotland is responsible for electricity and is also responsible for housing and the general work of the local authorities, does he exercise any control in bringing all these people concerned together with the National Coal Board to see that there is a comprehensive programme which everybody understands and which gives some sense of continuity to the future of Scotland? Does he realise that it is uncertainty that is helping to create difficulties in developing industry and other things in Scotland?

Mr. Leburn

At the present time, the boards are forecasting their requirements seven years ahead. There is consultation between the board, the local authorities and so on, and I think that, taking into account the difficulty of assessing demand ahead by more than seven years, this is a fairly reasonable period.