HC Deb 15 November 1966 vol 736 cc196-8
2. Mr. Albert Roberts

asked the Minister of Power what further representations he has received arising out of the discussions that have taken place between the Gas Council and the Central Electricity Generating Board concerning the supply of natural gas to the electricity generating stations; and what reply he has sent.

21. Mr. Raphael Tuck

asked the Minister of Power what investigations he has made into the possibility and economic advantages of utilising the gasfields in the North Sea by piping the gas to electricity generating stations and converting it directly into electricity.

38. Mr. Norwood

asked the Minister of Power what representations he has received from the electricity supply industry seeking a share in the use of North Sea gas; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of Power (Mr. Richard Marsh)

I have in fact received no representations from any of the nationalised industries on the use of natural gas in power stations. As I informed the House on 2nd November, when the study being carried out by the Gas Council and the C.E.G.B. has been completed, the results will be carefully considered as part of the review of fuel policy which I am undertaking.

Mr. Roberts

In view of the fact that about 70 to 80 per cent. of electricity is generated from conventional fuels, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a good deal of apprehension in Yorkshire and the mining districts that, having prepared for 25, 35 and 40 year programmes, what may be economic today could be uneconomic tomorrow? May I further ask the Minister—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Supplementary questions are getting long.

Mr. Roberts

May I further put it to the Minister that there is a feeling in the country that there is a move towards the use of natural gas in the electricity industry? Will he—

Mr. Speaker

Order. This is too long.

Mr. Marsh

I have said frequently in the past that, on the present basis, there is no reason for coal miners to be alarmed about the use of natural gas as an alternative. There are many problems involved in using it in this way. I agree with my hon. Friend's view about the need to see what the future position will be. That is exactly why I want to look at the matter as part of the review of fuel policy.

Mr. Tuck

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the cheapest, safest and most effective way of utilising the gas fields in the North Sea is to pipe the gas ashore and convert it direct into electricity and feed it into the electricity grid and the super grid now in the course of construction? Would not this obviate the straddling of the country with vast networks of gas mains and the costly and stupid competition between the two nationalised industries?

Mr. Marsh

Much as I regret it, the answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question is "No, Sir". First, one has to work out what the cost of natural gas should be before one can decide the best and most efficient way of using it. Secondly, we need to know how much of it we have before we decide the various ways in which we want to use it.