§ 55. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Technology what revised estimate he has now made of the electricity generation capacity required in this country by 1975, 1980 and 1985, respectively; what capacity has to be ordered each year to meet the joint target; and if he will give details of what has been ordered so far this year.
Mr. Alan WilliamsPlant is already ordered to meet the estimated demand up to the winter of 1974–5, which, for England and Wales, is 53,000 Mw. No firm estimates have yet been made of the capacity required in 1980 and 1985. No power stations have been ordered by the C.E.G.B. so far this year but they have been authorised to order one station in 1970 which, on present indications, is the minimum it seems prudent to order to meet demand after 1974. Decisions about further orders will be taken progressively in the light of future load forecasts.
Questions about electricity supplies for Scotland are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.