§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will obtain from the Central Electricity Generating Board a statement of current plans for development of the electricity supply system in the next 15 years, including a list of sites under consideration for new coal-fired power stations; and if he will place a copy of the statement in the Library.
§ Mr. GoodladThe medium term development plan of the electricity supply industry (England and Wales) for the period 1986–93 was published by the Electricity Council last month. It includes a section on generation (pages 18–23) which covers possible sites for future power stations. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will describe what arrangements exist between his Department and the Central Electricity Generating Board to discuss strategic planning of the electricity system; what forecasts and financial information are made available by the Central Electricity Generating Board for such discussions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoodladThe Central Electricity Generating Board annually provides me with detailed forecasts of capital requirements for the next six years. These are considered, together with the capital and financing forecasts for the Electricity Supply Industry (England and Wales) as a whole, in the annual investment and financing review of the nationalised industries. Approvals to capital expenditure in the following three years are then given. Strategic planning features in the medium term development plan for the industry, published annually by the Electricity Council; and is also the subject of ad hoc reports to me.