§ 5. Mr. Laneasked the Minister of Technology on how many power stations, and in which locations, he expects construction will begin in each of the years 1970 to 1974.
§ The Minister of Technology (Mr. Anthony Wedgwood Benn)The forward requirement for power stations is determined from year to year, largely in the light of load forecasts. I cannot therefore say how many stations will need to be started in the period to 1974 or where they will be; but as my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General announced on 29th October, the Government has approved the C.E.G.B.'s programme for the next four stations at Heysham, Isle of Grain, Sizewell and Drax — [Vol. 790, c. 295–306.]
§ Mr. LaneCan the Minister say roughly what he expects to be the average construction period of these next four stations, and what steps the Government are taking to reduce the period to a minimum, in view of past experience?
§ Mr. BennThat is a different question about the problem of commissioning power stations in the programme as approved. I cannot go beyond what I have said in confirming that the four stations have been approved and that in general we are trying to encourage the speedy completion of power stations.