HC Deb 12 February 1973 vol 850 cc227-8W
Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list all coal-fired power stations that have received his consent for conversion or partial conversion to alternative fuels since June 1970, stating what reductions in coal consumption were planned as a result of such conversions.

Mr. Tom Boardman

The following is the list:

Station Conversion Consent
Richborough Oil 23rd July 1970
Aberthaw A Oil 23rd July 1970
Portsmouth Oil 3rd December 1970
Kirkstall Oil 3rd December 1970
West Thurrock Gas/Coal (dual firing) 3rd December 1970
Fulham Oil 12th February 1917

The reductions in coal consumption depend upon the extent to which the stations would be used and I am asking the Chairman of the Central Electricity Generating Board to write to the right hon. Member.

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what coal-fired power stations are at present under consideration by him for conversion or partial conversion to other fuels.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Padiham B and York.

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when ministerial approval was given to the Central Electricity Generating Board in response to its proposal for power station orders of Heysham and Sizewell B nuclear stations, the Isle of Grain oil-fired station and Drax B coal-fired station; what progress has been made in their construction; whether he has withdrawn consent for Drax B coal-fired station; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Consents under Section 2 of the Electric Lighting Act 1909 were given for Drax B power station in September 1964 and September 1965 and for Heysham, Sizewell B and the Isle of Grain in October 1969. The Central Electricity Generating Board did not proceed with an order for construction of Sizewell B and Drax B and, under the arrangements for separating planning and financial consents announced in the House on 16th June 1972, any proposals for ordering these stations will have to be approved by the Secretary of State as part of the board's capital development programme. The Central Electricity Generating Board has not made such proposals. Planning consent for Drax B has not been withdrawn.

I am asking the Chairman of the Central Electricity Generating Board to write to the right hon. Member about progress on the construction of Heysham and the Isle of Grain power stations.—[Vol. 838, c. 447–8.]