§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Energy at what time annually he gives approval to capital expenditure by the Central Electricity Generating Board for the following three-year period; whether he is currently considering such approvals; when he next expects to consider investment approval for a coal-fired power station; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoodladAs explained in my answer of 25 November to the hon. Member at column 154, capital expenditure approvals are given following the conclusion of the annual investment and financial review. My Department has not received an application for investment approval to construct a new coal-fired power station.