§ 6. Mr. McBrideasked the Minister of Power what proposals he has now received from the Central Electricity Generating Board for the siting of a major power station in the Swansea area, in view of the fact that plans for such a station were prepared in March 1963.
§ Mr. ErrollNone, Sir.
§ Mr. McBrideIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present Tir John Power Station is no longer fully operational for 24 hours a day and that a new base load station would be an asset in this area? Is he also aware that this matter was discussed by the Chairman of the Central Electricity Generating Board in March 1963? What was the outcome of that discussion? Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware of the fact that on the proposed site the natural rock foundation has been ascertained? Lastly, would not a decision on this matter be a great help to industrial development in the next two years, since that is the time normally taken between the inception and construction of a major power station and the time when it becomes fully operational? Would this not be an excellent part of the regional development plans of his right hon. Friends?
§ Mr. ErrollThe most important thing is that the Central Electricity Generating Board should be free to decide on the programme of its future stations and on the time of construction of each station. It is therefore proper for me to wait until the Board applies to me for consent to build a station. As for the power needs of South Wales, the Board has already announced plans for a speeding up of the completion of the Aberthaw "B" Station near Cardiff, and when it is fully operational, by 1968, it will use no fewer than three of the new 500 megawatt sets.
§ Mr. McBrideIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.