§ Q2. Mr. Pentlandasked the Prime Minister whether the public statement made by the Lord President of the Council in the North-East on 5th March, regarding the building of a new power station in the County of Durham, represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterMy noble Friend made no new statement on Government policy, which remains as announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power in answer to a Question by the hon. Member on 31st January.
§ Mr. PentlandIs the Prime Minister aware that over a period of three years now hon. and right hon. Members on this side of the House who represent North-East constituencies have continually attempted to press on him how wise it would be to build a new power station in County Durham, but that over that period we have had nothing but contradictions and confusion on this issue, and that now the statement made in the North-East by Lord Hailsham has further complicated and confused the issue? Will the Prime Minister give a categorical assurance that it is Government policy to build a new power station in County Durham?
§ The Prime MinisterThe building of a power station in County Durham is regarded as important from two points of view, chiefly in the first instance for the use of Durham coal. That has been provided for by the proposed dual-fired station at Kingsnorth on the Thames, which, I understand, will burn not less than two-thirds of its fuel in the shape of coal which will be brought by sea from Durham to the Thames. The other point is the need of a further power station for the needs of the area and it is accepted that that will become necessary, but it is not yet decided at what date it will become necessary or exactly the location in which it should be built.
§ Mr. PentlandThe Prime Minister will be aware that there is not any firm agreement in regard to burning Durham coal at these power stations and that this is only a promise. The Central Electricity Generating Board has said that it will consider in two years' time whether or not the power station should be built. 1526 Surely, if it can be considered in two years' time, the Government could now decide to build a power station in view of the economic problems of the area?
§ The Prime MinisterThe answer from the fuel point of view is covered by the Kingsnorth project. From the point of view of need, it is a matter for the board as to whether it should be brought forward by a certain period or not, but at present it is not required as such.
§ Commander KeransSurely my right hon. Friend will agree that provision of a power station in Durham would be one means of attracting industry there in the near future?
§ The Prime MinisterThe object of a power station is to provide sufficient power. It is considered that there is sufficient power at the moment to meet the needs of industry, but there will come a time, whether in two years or one year, when a further power station will be required.