HC Deb 26 March 1974 vol 871 cc82-3W
Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what research and development he is sponsoring on his own and in collaboration with the electricity supply industry in reducing the energy losses sustained in current methods of electricity transmission.

Mr. Eadie

Methods of reducing losses in transmission are known and it is largely a question of balancing such gains against the resources required to achieve them. I am advised that the Electricity Council's programme of research and development is adequate.

Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to find methods whereby the Central Electricity Generating Board may be able to utilise more than one-third of the latent energy in the fuels which it converts into electricity for the grid.

Mr. Eadie

The CEGB has the statutory responsibility to provide an efficient and economic supply of electricity, and also to investigate methods of utilising heat produced in association with electricity generation. I am assured that the CEGB has made, and will continue to make, every endeavour to investigate and offer the supply of heat.

Mr. David Stoddart

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of energy is lost through AC transmission of electricity by the CEGB; how much money is currently being spent in research into DC transmission; and with what result.

Mr. Eadie

This is a matter for the CEGB and I am asking the Chairman to write to my hon. Friend giving him such information as is readily available.