HC Deb 11 June 1984 vol 61 cc630-1
12. Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his Department's projection for the total consumption of electricity within the United Kingdom for the next 10 years.

Mr. Giles Shaw

My Department's long-term energy projections explore a wide range of possible developments for the United Kingdom's energy demand to the year 2010, and were included in its proof of evidence to the Sizewell B inquiry. By 1990, electricity demand is projected to be in the range of 229 to 274 terrawatt hours and by the year 2000 to be 240 to 372 terrawatt hours. Figures are not available for individual years.

Mr. Pike

I thank the Minister for his answer. As it takes about 10 years from the date on which work is started to bring a new power station into operation, and as we have massive coal reserves beneath this country, will the Government make the maximum use of coal in the next generation of power stations? In the interim, will he ensure that existing power stations, such as Padiham in my constituency, are converted to put the second generator on to coal rather than oil?

Mr. Shaw

As the hon. Gentleman recognises, more than 80 per cent. of our electricity is generated from coal. On the projections made so far, coal will retain its dominant role, whatever other power station orders follow the Sizewell B inquiry.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Will my hon. Friend make sure that we do not convert all our power stations to coal until at least 10 years have passed in which the NUM has not tried to come out on strike during at least half of those years?

Mr. Shaw

I accept from my hon. Friend that a balanced generation policy seems to be the most efficient, both economically and politically.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell

Do the Government recognise the important contribution that can be made to the United Kingdom's electricity consumption by small and local hydro-electric schemes, especially in parts of the kingdom like Northern Ireland? Will Ministers ensure that the possibility of these schemes is studied and encouraged?

Mr. Shaw

Hydro-electricity is a major source of energy in parts of the United Kingdom, especially in Scotland. The energy requirements of the Province are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.