HC Deb 22 March 1976 vol 908 cc10-1
8. Dr. Edmund Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will take the necessary steps to enable the Central Electricity Generating Board to initiate heat-and-power schemes.

Mr. Eadie

Under Section 50 of the Electricity Act 1947, the CEGB has power to provide heat obtained in connection with the generation of electricity to buildings in neighbouring localities, or for any other useful purpose. The section also provides for the Board to obtain certain additional powers which it may need. I am also considering the recommendations of the Plowden Committee on this point as on others.

Dr. Marshall

Does my hon. Friend accept mat this very practical recommendation of the Plowden Committee should be considered independently of the main proposal of the Committee's Report, so that the matter can be finalised as speedily as possible?

Mr. Eadie

I would not disagree with my hon. Friend. The matter is receiving active consideration.

Mr. Rost

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the CEGB is at the bottom of the European league in terms of overall thermal efficiency in power stations, as well as in terms of the amount of electricity produced in combined heat-and-power production? Does the hon. Gentleman not recognise that because of this our electricity prices are rising much faster than those of our European competitors?

Mr. Eadie

I do not think that I can agree with the hon. Gentleman in his assumption or his assertion. I have answered the hon. Gentleman on this matter before. He will be aware that there is a study group, under the chairmanship of the Chief Scientist. That group is currently considering combined heat-and-power production. It expects to report later this year. As a result of errors committed by previous Governments, including the previous Conservative Government, in estimating the availability of cheap energy, we have not always pursued the right policies. The assumptions and assertions that the hon. Gentleman is making are not quite accurate.