§ 2. Mr. Alisonasked the Minister of Power how much water it is proposed to extract from the River Ouse when the projected Drax power station is in operation; and how much of this water will be returned.
§ Mr. John MorrisA 3,000 megawatts station operating at full load would require up to 62 million gallons of water a day, of which 40 million gallons would be returned. If the capacity of the station is increased to 4,000 megawatts the figures would be 84 and 54 million respectively.
§ Mr. AlisonWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for that Answer, may I ask whether he is aware that this represents a very considerable dip into the Ouse locally, and can he assure us that his right hon. Friend the Minister has had consultations particularly with the local shipbuilding firm in regard to the effect that this will have on its launchings, and, if not, will he undertake to do so?
§ Mr. MorrisI am not aware of that aspect of the problem raised by the hon. Gentleman. I will certainly look at it, but I understand that the river authorities are concerned about siltation which may be caused by the extraction of water, and the terms of an indemnity to be given by the Board have already been agreed for a 3,000 megawatts station. The extension of this for a 4,000 megawatts station is under consideration. Perhaps that meets some of the aspects raised by the hon. Gentleman.