§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the current excess capacity of electricity generating plant in the United Kingdom; which stations and with what capacity (a) have been closed in 1981 and (b) will be closed in 1981 and are planned to close in 1982; and how many new power stations will generate electricity during 1982 and of which type, nuclear or coal.
§ Mr. MellorI am advised by the CEGB that approximately 4,200 MW of its plant is expected to be surplus to operating requirements during the 1981–82 winter period and is not being kept at full operational readiness; this includes some 3,100 MW of plant proposed for decommissioning in October 1982. I am asking the chairman of the CEGB to write to the hon. Member about the closure of power stations and new power stations coming into operation.
Electricity supply and power stations in Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Northern Ireland.