§ 33. Mr. Moyleasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications he has received for natural gas to be used to fuel generating stations.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanApproval was given, in 1967 and 1970, for two power stations—Hams Hall C and West Thurrock—to be converted to dual coal/gas firing. Apart from an old application, now in abeyance, to convert the oil-fired station at South Denes, there are no outstanding applications from the CEGB.
§ Mr. MoyleIn considering any future application, will the hon. Gentleman be 904 guided by the fact that it is an uneconomic use of natural gas, since there are heavy losses in transmission from electricity?
§ Mr. BoardmanIt is for the Central Electricity Generating Board to decide whether to apply for construction or conversion of power stations to use natural gas, and all the factors will be considered on their merits in any application.
§ Mr. SkeetIs my hon. Friend aware that in Europe natural gas is being used in vast quantities for power stations? If the Europeans can do it. why cannot this be done here?
§ Mr. BoardmanThe use of natural gas in Europe is well recognised. This is one of the factors which will be taken into account if the board makes the necessary application for conversion or construction.