§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many of the 18 new power stations in the programme of the Central Electricity Board are situated at the pithead or within short haul distance of pits supplying the coal required; and what are the technical reasons which justify the establishment of other coal-burning stations at long distances from the pithead.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe answer to the first part is, "Nine." The principal factors which determine the position of power stations are:
100W Sites are chosen to give the lowest overall cost, having regard to these and other technical considerations. Generally speaking the transport of coal is less costly than the transmission of electricity, and this applies to the six new stations in the London and South-Eastern area.
- (1) Cost of transmission to the electricity load centres.
- (2) Adequate supply of cooling water throughout the year.
- (3) Source of suitable coal supplies.
- (4) Sea or rail transport facilities for coal.
§ Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has studied the possibility of siting new electricity generating stations underground; and with what results.
§ Mr. ShinwellUnderground power stations would be prohibitive in cost and would in any case require a chimney of normal height. I do not, therefore, regard them as practicable.