HC Deb 25 October 1973 vol 861 cc629-31W
Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether the City Council of Plymouth will be represented on a joint committee with his Department in regard to questions relating to the design and operation of the oil terminal and the means for containing and dealing with any oil pollution;

(2) if the City Council of Plymouth will have representation on a joint committee with his Department and the authorities concernd to monitor the operation of the oil terminal and the arrangements for dealing with any oil spillage or other incidents, also all matters concerning atmospheric pollution.

Mr. Graham Page

The consent given by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for the construction of the oil-fired electricity generating station at Inswork Point requires the Central Electricity Generating Board to consult various bodies including the Plymouth City Council to ensure that the interests of those bodies in maintaining the amenities of the estuary of the River Tamar are at all times taken into account. It is for these authorities to consider whether they should form a joint committee for this purpose.

Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that owing to the wind tunnel the chimney for the proposed oil-fired power station at Inswork Point will have to be raised from the original proposed height to over 600 feet which is higher than the ancient landmark of Maker Church; and, in view of the effect on the landscape of Dartmoor, what action he proposes.

Mr. Graham Page

In giving consent for the power station at Inswork Point my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry imposed a condition requiring the height to be as agreed between the board and Her Majesty's Chief Alkali and Clean Air Inspector or, failing agreement, as determined by my right hon. and learned Friend.

Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if stations for monitoring atmospheric pollution will be established in Plymouth and the environs of the proposed Inswork Point power station to record levels of pollution which are now experienced and which will be experienced once Inswork Point is in operation; and if statistics will be available to the local authorities affected.

Mr. Emery

I have been asked to reply.

The CEGB explained at the public inquiry that it would make such arrangements.