§ 66. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the difference in the cost of generating power by coal and oil; how many power stations are using coal and oil, respectively, for steam-raising purposes; and what research he has undertaken into methods of changing quickly from one system to another if the necessity arises.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesAt present 227 stations are burning coal and two oil. The latter, and the further fifteen stations which by 1960 will be equipped to burn oil, are geographically well placed to receive oil supplies in bulk; in these cases, under existing agreements between the Central Electricity Authority and their oil suppliers, the difference in cost of generation as compared with coal is marginal. Most of these stations will be able to revert to coal burning, in periods varying between a few days and about six weeks.