HC Deb 08 February 1982 vol 17 cc722-3
4. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his policy towards the resolution of conflicts arising out of competing claims between energy resource requirements and environmental protection.

Mr. Gray

Environmental aspects are taken into account in decisions on new energy developments in the United Kingdom and the issues can be thoroughly examined by public inquiries.

Mr. Adley

Is my hon. Friend aware that that is not good enough? Will he call for an immediate investigation into the furtive decision by Mobil Oil, aided and abetted by the British Transport Docks Board, to locate in the Solent a 900 ft liquefied petroleum gas vessel? Is he aware that the Solent is to yachting what Lords is to cricket, and that hundreds of thousands of people like to think—[Interruption]—it is no use my hon. Friends laughing—that they can enjoy their peaceable sport unmolested in this way? Will he do something about this so that people do not feel, once again, that the oil companies are trampling on the rights of ordinary individuals who see the sport that they have enjoyed quietly and peacefully for years about to be destroyed without their having a chance to do anything about it?

Mr. Gray

I well understand my hon. Friend's concern, but the regulatory aspects of these proposals do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Department of Energy. With regard to the energy aspects, however, the proposal is concerned not only with United Kingdom energy production, but with the supply of liquefied petroleum gas to the Continent.

Mr. Adley

That is even worse.

Mr. Stoddart

Does the Minister agree that one of the greatest areas of conflict is likely to arise over the siting of nuclear power stations, particularly PWRs? Bearing that in mind, has he studied the report prepared under the chairmanship of Sir Kelvin Spencer, which seems to show that coal-generated electricity is far cheaper than that produced by nuclear power? May we have his comments on that report?

Mr. Gray

I do not think that it would be appropriate to comment on that at this stage. It will undoubtedly arise at the public inquiry in due course.

Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilson

Will my hon. Friend ensure that in future when production licences are awarded for areas in the New Forest proper consideration will be given to the constraints placed upon the use of the land by the New Forest Act 1877? Is he aware that the public planning inquiry into the Shell UK Ltd. application to drill a bore hole in the Denny Inclosure cannot go ahead because under section 7 of the 1877 Act inclosures can be used only for the production of timber, free from all rights and privileges.

Mr. Gray

The precise effects of the 1877 Act are complicated and must inevitably be a matter for legal interpretation. I cannot emphasise too strongly, however, that a large framework of protection must be satisfied before drilling. The licences awarded by the Department of Energy in no way exempt the licensee from compliance with all relevant legislation, the constraints of local planning permission and adherence to technical standards.

Mr. Palmer

In the event of any clash between environmental considerations and energy needs, what help is the Department of Energy giving to the CEGB with regard to a badly needed new large power station in the far West of England? Does he agree that if such a station had already been constructed the electricity supply difficulties that occurred in the recent bad weather would not have arisen?

Mr. Gray

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that that is a matter for the CEGB. The board announced on 2 February that it was clear from work carried out so far that, due to unsatisfactory geological conditions, the two Cornish sites near Portreath could not be considered for future stations. The board therefore has no further interest in those sites. Assessment of the other three sites is continuing, and I understand that no decision as to their suitability for development has yet been reached.

Mr. Adley

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory position outlined by the answer, I give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.