§ Shona McIsaacTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications there have been for the construction of new gas-fired power stations since the imposition of the moratorium; how many have been given approval; and how many are outstanding. [114157]
§ Mrs. LiddellSince the October 1998 White Paper, 19 applications for the construction of new gas-fired power stations have been received. Forty-eight applications were under consideration at the time of the White Paper, of which four were subsequently withdrawn. Eighteen proposals have been approved since October 1998, mainly for combined heat and power projects. Fifteen proposals have been deferred and a further 30 proposals are at various stages of consideration.