§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from industrial or political organisations for the construction 272W of a medium-sized coal-fired power station in Ayrshire; what consideration, if any, he has given to such a proposition; what would be its implications in respect of power stations at Inverkip and Hunterston; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. Gregor MacKenzieWritten representations in this general sense have been received from the South Ayrshire and District Trades Council and the Ayr and District Trades Council. The replies to these letters drew attention to the arrangements which had been made for matters of common concern to the coal and electricity industries to be discussed by representatives of the industries, the trade unions concerned and the Government. Negotiations between the National Coal Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board on future coal burn in power stations are continuing. The South of Scotland Electricity Board, whose responsibility it is in the first instance to take decisions about the provision of additional generating capacity have, however, submitted no proposal to me for the construction of a coal-fired station in Ayrshire.