HC Deb 13 July 1965 vol 716 cc258-9
24. Mr. Palmer

asked the Minister of Power what proposals have been put to him for a new power station at Portishead, Bristol; and how far the fuelling of the station would be assisted by the construction of the new Portbury dock.

Mr. John Morris

None, Sir. It is too early to say what assistance a new Port-bury Dock might provide.

Mr. Palmer

Is my hon. Friend saying that no proposals of any kind have been before his Department?

Mr. Morris

I am merely saying that the Central Electricity Generating Board recently announced that it was investigating an area near Portishead as a possible site for a power station. There are no proposals as yet.

Mr. Dean

Since Portishead is in my constituency, would the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that, in the event of this proposal coming forward, Portishead Council will be consulted from the earliest stages and that any plans will be subject to the normal planning procedures? Is he aware that Portishead Council has stated on a number of occasions that it is not opposed in principle to further industrial development, provided it takes place in the industrial area of Portishead?

Mr. Morris

I am sure that the remarks of the hon. Gentleman will be borne in mind. All I can say at the moment is that if the Board proposed to proceed with the construction of a third station the Ministry of Transport and the National Ports Council would be consulted.

Mr. Robert Cooke

Am I to take it from the Parliamentary Secretary's previous reply that there is to be a new Portbury Dock?

Mr. Morris

If the hon. Gentleman had listened to my answer he would have understood it was recently announced that the Central Electricity Generating Board was investigating the area near Portishead as a possible site for a new power station.