HC Deb 02 August 1966 vol 733 cc224-5
5. Mr. Hamling

asked the Minister of Power what steps he is now taking to prevent the recurrence of power cuts next winter.

7. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Power what steps he is taking to ensure there will be no power cuts in the coming winter.

Mr. Marsh

Every possible effort is being made to commission new plant and to bring existing plant and equipment to a high state of readiness for next winter.

Mr. Hamling

Can my hon. Friend tell the House how much the demand for electric power has been increasing in recent years?

Mr. Marsh

Not without notice.

Mr. Hamilton

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the capital investment programme of the electricity industry takes account of the fact that weather conditions vary enormously as between the North and the South? What guarantee can he give that the demand for electricity will be in relation to supply? Demand will probably be greater in the North than in the South in the coming winter—or, indeed, in any winter.

Mr. Marsh

One has to take weather prospects over the country as a whole. It clearly depends on the amount of plant in service and the growth of load, but, on present estimates, the C.E.G.B. expects a plant margin of 10 per cent. for the coming winter as compared with 7 per cent. last winter.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Can the Minister say that there will be no cut whatever in capital spent on power stations, because, if there is to be a cut, will not this inevitably mean a breakdown in supply in future years during cold spells?

Mr. Marsh

There are other Questions on this subject on the Order Paper.

Mr. George Jeger

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in bad winters in the past there has been an ample supply of coal at the pithead which has not been able to be delivered to the power stations? Will he encourage the power stations to lay in ample stocks and to stockpile, particularly by coastwise shipping from Goole?

Mr. Marsh

Leaving aside the nationalist element, this has been a problem in the past. Steps are being taken to improve it. As a result of the seamen's strike, there are low stocks of coal at sea-fed power stations in Southern England. It is hoped to build these up to normal pre-winter level by the end of October.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Will the Minister now answer the question that I put to him just now: will not the closing down of gasworks already in existence and working contribute to any possible shortages?

Mr. Marsh

If the hon. Gentleman has any particular gasworks in mind, no doubt he will let me know.