HC Deb 11 February 1969 vol 777 cc1101-2
22. Mr. Blaker

asked the Minister of Power what was the growth of the peak demand upon the electricity supply system over the three winters 1965–66 to 1967–68.

Mr. Mason

The maximum demand on the Central Electricity Generating Board's system, adjusted to average cold spell weather conditions, rose by 3.7 per cent. between the 1965–66 and 1967–68 winters.

Mr. Blaker

Will the Minister say whether those figures relate to demand actually made, or demand if there had been no voltage reduction? Are not his plans for growth in capacity in coming years greater than would be justified by recent trends in demand? Is it not a fact that every 1,000 megawatt extra surplus capacity costs the nation £50 million?

Mr. Mason

The hon. Member would be quite right if the margin went too high—the margin at present is just over 17 per cent. Although hon. Members opposite would blame the present Government because economic growth is not coming along fast enough to justify that plant margin, many of the stations coming into stream this year and next were ordered and commissioned when they were in office.

Mr. Ogden

Are not hon. Members opposite tempting my right hon. Friend to cut back on capacity so that the first time there is a power cut they can scream their heads off at him?

Mr. Mason

I think it better to have a planned margin and that the forecast should be on the high side, when one considers the seriousness of underestimation.