§ 38. Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Power what directive he has given to the Central Electricity Generating Board about the purchase of natural gas, on normal commercial terms, from the gas industry for burning in power stations.
§ Mr. MasonNone, Sir. Proposals for fuelling power stations with natural gas will be considered on their merits in the light of the policy described in the Fuel Policy White Paper (Cmnd.3438).
§ Mr. PalmerIt has been widely stated that some guidance has been given to the electricity supply industry in this matter. Is that the case?
§ Mr. MasonIn the investigations into the possibility of North Sea gas powering power stations there has been an experiment at Hams Hill which proved successful. The C.E.G.B. would have liked to convert the whole station but I have not given permission because of the difficulties of the coal industry at the moment.
§ Mr. EmeryWill the right hon. Gentleman, however, state what his view generally is about using a primary fuel for generation of secondary fuel?