HC Deb 22 July 1969 vol 787 cc1466-7
5. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Power what additional capacity for electricity generation he proposes to authorise in the current year.

Mr. Mason

I have not yet completed my review of the current investment programmes of the electricity supply industry in England and Wales and am unable to anticipate its outcome.

Mr. Osborn

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what has been approved so far this year? Can he indicate the capacity he will be approving, bearing in mind that electrical plant manufacturers want sustained orders and he has planned 66,000 megawatts, which is an increase of 20,000 megawatts over the next five to six years—that is, an annual demand for 3,000–4,000 megawatts? Is it a fact that the right hon. Gentleman has done nothing?

Mr. Mason

No new stations have been approved this year. I am aware of the difficulties of the power plant manufacturers but that is really a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology.

Mr. Ridley

Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the electricity industry can provide capacity according to its own estimate of the rate of national growth rather than the estimate of the Department of Economic Affairs, which has proved slightly wrong in the past?

Mr. Mason

The hon. Gentleman should keep his tongue in his cheek when talking of estimated demand. There is surplus generating capacity at the moment because of the Conservative Government's bad estimating. Too many stations were built too quickly.

12. Sir J. Eden

asked the Minister of Power what was the percentage margin of electricity capacity last winter over average cold spell conditions and over maximum demand, respectively.

Mr. Freeson

About 18 per cent. in each case.

Sir J. Eden

Will the hon. Gentleman try to help the House by clearing up some of the confusion to which I frankly admit? A number of different figures have been given by different Ministers. For example, can he explain what the Prime Minister meant when he said that the margin over peak demand was 25 per cent.? What contribution to success has the Winter Emergency Committee made?

Mr. Freeson

I would have to have notice of the reference to the statement by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. The Winter Emergency Committee, as the hon. Gentleman knows, reviews all the factors relating to winter conditions annually and it continues in that job.