§ 104. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Fuel and Power on what date the plan was prepared to meet the electric power needs of the country; how far have the delivery dates of the plant ordered been carried out; and if the buildings were ready to receive the power plant when it was ready for the sites.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerThe planning of generating plant to meet the electric power needs of the country is a continuous process. Before the industry was nationalised the Central Electricity Board every year reviewed the expected requirements for five years ahead, and planned their extension of plants accordingly. The British Electricity Authority now do the same. I am informed that in very few cases during the past four years have the original dates of delivery of plant been adhered to; while, in a number of cases, delays in getting possession of sites and in starting work on them have resulted in plant being ready before the buildings were ready to receive it. All these cases, of course, relate to orders given and work started before vesting date.