HC Deb 15 March 1972 vol 833 cc516-7
9. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the general state of the generating capacity of power stations now that the miners' strike is over; and what plans he has to convert existing coal-fired power stations to other forms of fuelling.

Mr. Younger

I understand from the boards that the generating capacity of Scottish power stations is now at its normal level but that some further additions to fuel stocks are desirable.

My right hon. Friend is considering an outstanding application from the South of Scotland Electricity Board to convert Portobello power station to oil firing, having regard to the problem of grit and dust emission from that station, the economics of its future operation and all the social factors involved.

Mr. Eadie

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that if the policy of conversion from coal to oil is pursued jobs in the mining industry, engineering and other consumer industries will be at stake? Will he look at the article in today's Scotsman which states that our oil consumption is greater than the present finds? Will he bear in mind that Scotland cannot take the further unemployment which would result from conversion to oil?

Mr. Younger

I assure the hon. Gentleman that these and all the other factors will be carefully considered before a decision is taken. The history of the reactions of the Government to requests for conversion shows that our attitude is perfectly fair and we do not take these decisions lightly.

Mr. Ross

Will the Minister give an assurance that the consideration of the Government is confined only to conversion at Portobello? Have the Government yet received the Vinter Report in respect of the proposed nuclear station at Stake Ness? If so, when are we likely to get a statement on policy?

Mr. Younger

I confirm that the only application my right hon. Friend has in front of him at the moment is the Portobello application. I think the right hon. Gentleman will agree that before a decision on Stake Ness is taken we must have before us a complete study of future fuelling policy. The study is taking longer than was expected but is being pressed forward as quickly as possible.