§ Mr. MorganTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to announce a decision for granting Electricity Act 1989 consent for the proposed PowerGen Connah's Quay gas-fired power station; what consultations he has had on a time-delayed consent; what assessment he has made of the impact of such a consent on the proposed Hamilton Brothers gas-processing plant at Point of Ayr and the development of the gas fields off the north Wales coast and in Liverpool bay; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarMy right hon. Friend is reviewing the use of his consent powers under section 36 of the Electricty Act 1989 as part of the coal review and has made it clear that he proposes to defer decisions on outstanding applications for new power stations until after that review is completed. The Government are proposing to publish their White Paper shortly.
My right hon. Friend recognises the importance which local representatives and equipment suppliers attach to all the proposed Liverpool bay developments. I can assure the hon. Member that all relevant factors are being carefully considered.