Central Electricity Generating Board

HC Deb 18 June 1973 vol 858 c28

24. Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last had official discussions with the Central Electricity Generating Board.

Mr. Peter Walker

I last met the Chairman of the CEGB on 5th April. My hon. Friend the Minister for Industry meets him frequently.

Mr. Hunt

When my right hon. and hon. Friends next meet the board, will they ask its southern region to desist from its present anti-social policy of sending the coal for its Croydon power station by road through my constituency—at the rate of up to 250 loads a week—rather than by rail, which would cause a minimum of noise and nuisance, and which is where, on environmental grounds, it rightly belongs?

Mr. Walker

The reason for the new methods of transport is the change of supplies from one set of coalfields to another, but I understand that talks have taken place and that assurances have been given about the use of a new route, on a trial basis.