HC Deb 05 November 1968 vol 772 cc664-5
2. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Power what proposals he is now considering for the construction of coal-fired thermal power stations.

Mr. Mason

The C.E.G.B. are constructing or commissioning some 20,000 MW of coal-fired plant. No additional proposals are under consideration at present.

Mr. Osborn

Although what has been constructed is welcome, what is to be the future of the coalfields in the East Midlands and Yorkshire? Is there not a possible continued use of coal for coal-fired thermal power stations?

Mr. Mason

What is most important is that coal is produced at the right price so that the C.E.G.B. can use it in large quantities for many years to come. By 1974, 75 per cent. of the plant will still be coal-fired.

Mr. Swain

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the coal-mining industry reduced its production costs by 2s. 6d. per ton to industrial consumers last year and that if this process is continued until 1975 coal will compete favourably in price with nuclear energy or natural gas?

Mr. Mason

Of course I hope that by 1971, at the end of the transitional phase, output per man-shift and increases in productivity will be such that we shall have a hard core of long-life mines and a robust and efficient coal-mining industry.