HC Deb 23 July 1970 vol 804 cc207-8W
80. Mr. Kelley

asked the Minister of Technology what application he has had from the Central Electricity Generating Board to change the fuel which it was originally intended to use in any power station at present under construction or where construction is likely to start within the next two years.

Mr. Ridley

There are no such applications extant.

81. Mr. Kelley

asked the Minister of Technology how many applications he has received from the Central Electricity Generating Board for permission to change the fuel used in existing power stations; what decisions he has made in respect of any of them; and in those cases where he is not yet able to make known his decision, if he will undertake not to make a public announcement while Parliament is in recess.

Sir J. Eden

The list is as follows:

Aberthaw A. Application to convert from coal to oil firing.

Richborough. Application to convert from coal to oil firing.

South Denes. Application to convert from oil to gas firing (this is an old application currently in abeyance).

Portsmouth. Application to convert from coal to oil firing (this is a new application for the conversion of a small station mainly on clean air grounds).

My right hon. Friend proposes to give immediate consent to the conversion of Aberthaw A and Richborough, which are two medium sized coal fired stations, to oil firing. The C.E.G.B. also intend to exercise now the original consent they have had for some years which permits them to convert Northfleet power station from coal to oil firing. These conversions, the need for which is agreed by the N.C.B., will provide a welcome easing of the coal supply position in the winter of 1971–72 and the conversion of Richborough will release good quality coking coal which is in such strong demand both at home and overseas.

In the current buoyant coal market the conversions should make no noticeable difference to the coal industry's need for men. However the conversion to oil firing of Aberthaw A and Northfleet will be carried out in such a way that they will be capable of reverting to coal burning. In addition the running of the power stations on the Board's interconnected system can be adjusted to boost the use of coal if necessary to an even greater extent than was done in the 1960s.