HC Deb 29 January 1947 vol 432 c230W
Commander Galbraith

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what extra kilowatt capacity will be available for the supply of electricity to Great Britain in 1949, 1950 and 1951, respectively; and whether he estimates that such increases in capacity will meet all estimated increases of electricity demand, together with a. reasonable margin.

Mr. Shinwell

It is estimated that the additional generating capacity which will be available for the public supply of electricity will be 2,600,000 kilowatts by the end of 1949, 4,460,000 kilowatts by the end of 1950, and 5,660,000 kilowatts by the end of 1951. These increases will not be sufficient to meet the increase of electricity demand until the winter of 1950–51, but should then be sufficient, provided certain obsolete plant is still kept in commission.