HC Deb 18 May 1971 vol 817 cc283-4W
Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what he estimates would be the annual oil consumption of Portobello power station if it is converted from coal

mittee reviewing the licensing laws, in the public interest.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

The number of cases in which proceedings were taken against persons driving a motor vehicle when unfit to drive through drink or drugs and the number of convictions in the years 1966 to 1970 is shown in the table below.

I propose to bring this information to the attention of the Committee reviewing the Scottish licensing laws.

to oil firing; at present oil prices what would be the effect on the balance of payments; and how much solid fuel has been consumed by the station in each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

I understand from the South of Scotland Electricity Board that oil consumption, on the basis of the current relationship between oil and coal prices, might average about 150,000 tons a year in the period 1971–72 to 1974–75. The effect on the balance of payments would be minimal. Coal consumption at the station in each of the last 10 years is as follows, but would be less in future years because the station, if unconverted, would not be used as much because of its relatively high running costs.

Tons
1961–62 541,890
1962–63 545,574
1963–64 570,865
1964–65 548,557
1965–66 515,604
1966–67 446,238
1967–68 389,559
1968–69 455,772
1969–70 384,800
1970–71 326,924

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