§ 1. Mr. George Jegerasked the Minister of Power whether he has reached a decision on the method of firing Drax B Power Station; and whether he will give special consideration to the importance of Yorkshire coal in this enterprise.
§ The Minister of Power (Mr. Roy Mason)The Central Electricity Generating Board already has statutory consent far a coal-fired extension to the station being built at Drax but it is not in its current capital development programme. The source of coal for power stations is a matter for agreement between the Generating Board and the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. JegerIs my right hon. Friend aware that the whole of the Yorkshire coalfield is awaiting a decision and action on Drax B and that it will do much to allay the fears and suspicions there for the future if the knowledge is given generally throughout the coalfield that the future is secure?
§ Mr. MasonI cannot give that assurance at the moment. The first stage of Drax 1 will not be complete until 1973. As regards the extension, which is really Drax 2, the start on that will depend on the demand for electricity at the time and the growth of competing fuels.
§ Mr. AlisonDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that, if coal is used at Drax, it will be warmly welcomed in Yorkshire, but will give rise to serious, problems of ash disposal? 182 Could he assure us that no ash which results will be dumped near residential property?
§ Mr. MasonI am aware of the interest in the first question. As regards ash disposal, my hon. Friend will be answering a later Question on that in due course.