§ 1. Dr. Edmund Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the present position in respect of the proposed construction of Drax B power station.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Alex Eadie)My right hon. Friend is reviewing power station ordering policy including Drax B and will keep the House informed.
§ Dr. MarshallDoes my hon. Friend agree that a definite decision at an early date to proceed with the construction of the Drax B power station would help to speed up plans for developing the rich coal reserves that have been discovered in the Selby district?
§ Mr. EadieThe development of the Selby coalfield is not in any way related to the question whether Drax B should start. My hon. Friend will recall that it was a Labour Government in 1969 who gave approval to the development of Drax B. He will also be aware that there is a tripartite inquiry going on that will signpost coal's future rôle.
§ Mr. SkeetDoes the Minister agree that in view of the competitive nature of nuclear fuels it may well be policy in future not to build any further coal-fired power stations?
§ Mr. EadieThat is a view that has been expressed before by the hon. Gentleman. It is a view that is not generally agreed upon in the House. The decision regarding the third generation of nuclear power will be taken independently by my 744 right hon. That decision will determine whether there shall be new coalfired power stations.