HC Deb 15 November 1966 vol 736 cc48-9W
Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Power how many cooling towers, and at what stations, will need to be reinforced in the light of the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into Collapse of Cooling Towers at Ferrybridge; what the cost of the reinforcements will be; who will be responsible for the cost; and what immediate precautions have been taken against the collapse of these towers pending their reinforcement.

Dr. Bray

All towers 250 feet high or over are being examined, involving some 31 stations operating or under construction, and as an interim precaution restrictions have been placed on work near the lowers when wind speeds of 65 m.p.h. (in some cases 50 m.p.h.) are observed; the restrictions imposed do not indicate a supposed risk of failure. So far, apart from Ferrybridge itself where work is proceeding, it appears that it may be necessary to strengthen towers at Rich-borough, Thorpe Marsh and Rugeley 'A'. The cost of this work is not yet known, and the question of liability has to be settled between the parties concerned.

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