§ Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Technology why Ministerial consent was refused to the Central Electricity Generating Board for conversion of the 252 megawatt oil-fired station at South Denes to natural gas; and if he will calculate the amount of the saving to the balance of payments that would have 178W accrued in the year 1969–70 as a result of conversion, assuming that the station's load factor remains the same as in the previous year.
Mr. Alan WilliamsConsent has not been refused. The Board's application would be reviewed if they were to agree terms with the gas industry for a supply of natural gas. The net overall effect on the balance of payments is not determinable as it would depend on such factors as the fuel substituted elsewhere for the natural gas taken by the station.