§ 34. Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Power what is the margin of surplus generating capacity likely to be attained by the Central Electricity Generating Board in the coming winter; if the level is such that power cuts will be avoided; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MasonThe Central Electricity Generating Board expects to have a margin of about 20 per cent. over the maximum demand in average cold spell weather. This should be fully adequate.
§ Mr. PalmerDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that, although we should congratulate the C.E.G.B. on this very excellent result, this now presents an opportunity to the Board to take out of service some of its really old plant and hence increase the general efficiency of the British electricity supply system?
§ Mr. MasonYes, and as the new plant is coming into commission the Board is taking advantage of the margin to do exactly that.
§ Sir Harmar NichollsCan we take the right hon. Gentleman's answer as disposing of the rumour that night storage heater costs are to be increased?