§ 14. Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Power on what basis he has approved a reduction of the estimated national demand for electricity to 54,000 megawatts for 1972–73 since the Electricity Council in 1965, before the National Plan, allowed for 62,000 megawatts in 1970–71 in order to give a safe margin; and what margin of safety against load shedding the new reduced figure represents.
§ Mr. MarshThe Electricity Council's 1965 forecast for 1970–71 was based on the National Economic Development 1259 Council's assumption of a 4 per cent. rate of growth in the economy. The Council's forecast for 1972–73 is their latest assessment of the likely increase in electricity demand. The Central Electricity Generating Board planned safety margin over the forecast demand remains unchanged.
§ Mr. PalmerIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is the opinion of many people with expert knowledge of this subject that this new estimate is putting the future economy of the country at grave risk, in view of the fact that ample supplies of electricity are essential to national expansion?
§ Mr. MarshI can only say that the expert advice which I have obtained is that of the Central Electricity Generating Board, which is not without experience in these matters. The Board is responsible for maintaining the margins, and its argument is that this would retain the intended margin and make no difference in it.
§ Mr. PeytonDoes the Minister realise that we on this side of the House have great sympathy with him, because he needs considerable protection from some of the advice which he is likely to receive? In particular, he has to be protected from the pontifications of "Neddy" and the ludicrous advice which he is likely to get from the Department of Economic Affairs bearing in mind the First Secretary's speech to "Neddy" the other day.