§ 35. Sir D. Kaberryasked the Minister of Power what are the heads of agreement, reached between the Central Electricity Generating Board and those companies or consortia submitting proposals 59W to the Government for the smelting of aluminium for the supply of block quantities of cheap electricity.
§ Mr. MarshThe conditions for the supply of electricity on special terms are set out in the Government Statement of 4th October, 1967. These involve a 100 per cent. capital payment for the tranche of capacity earmarked, payment for the cost of grid connection, and payment of an annual charge to cover such items as fuel and operating costs.
§ 37. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Power, in view of the Government's intention to encourage aluminium smelting, if he will review the cost of electricity available to aluminium smelters in different parts of the world; what price, allowing for capital payments for generating plant, the Generating Board are able to offer large block users of electricity on long term contracts for aluminium smelting; and what subsidy is necessary to make this price competitive with that available in other countries.
§ Mr. MarshPrecise information about the cost of electricity to aluminium smelters in other countries is not obtainable. The general basis on which electricity may be supplied to special consumers in the United Kingdom is set out in the Government Statement of 4th October, 1967, but the financial details of individual offers or contracts are commercial matters. The terms negotiated do not, however, involve any subsidy.