HC Deb 18 March 1969 vol 780 cc50-1W
51. Sir J. Eden

asked the Minister of Power what change he has made in his estimate of future coal demand, in view of the development of fluidised-bed coal combustion; and if he will make a statement about progress in this field.

54. Sir J. Gilmour

asked the Minister of Power what information has now been submitted to him about the fluidised-bed system of coal combustion and the effect of this system on the amount of coal used for electricity generation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mason

None. I would refer the hon. Members to the reply I have given earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Mr. Cronin).

Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Minister of Power what assessment he has made of the fluidised-bed system of coal combustion in electric power generation recently put forward by the British Coal Utilisation Research Association and the National Coal Board; what estimate he has made of the cost per unit and of the capital cost per kilowatt from the use of this technique; and how this development affects fuel policy.

Mr. Mason

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar Question earlier today from my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Mr. Cronin).