§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what plans he has to increase the number of power stations which can burn coal; and what discussions he has had with the Central Electricity Generating Board on the refurbishing of power stations.
§ Mr. BennI have recently set in hand with the Central Electricity Generating Board and the National Coal Board an urgent examination of the potential for burning additional quantities of coal in power stations, without cost to the electricity consumer, to displace imports of oil and coal. I have also set in hand a wider review of energy strategy which is being undertaken in order to present an updating of the Green Paper on energy policy to the Energy Commission early in 1979. These studies will take into account the CEGB's advice on the availability of efficient coal burning capacity, including the need for new capacity and refurbishing existing capacity.