§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he has had with the CEGB concerning the conversion of oil-fired power stations to coal firing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EadieFollowing my and my right hon. Friend's consultations with the coal and electricity industries on 20th February, we have had various discussions with the Chairman of the CEGB and the NCB about increasing the CEGB's coal burn by this and other means. These discussions are continuing.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many applications he has received during the past five years for the construction of power stations under Section 11 of the Electricity Supply Act 1919; and how many have been approved.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) in view of the Under-Secretary of State's remark, on 14th June, that the United Kingdom will need to rely increasingly on coal and nuclear power to meet future electricity demand, when he proposes to authorise the building of another coal or nuclear-fuelled station;
(2) whether, in view of the difficulties of the turbo-generator industry due to dearth of orders for power station plant 431W and equipment, he proposes to authorise the construction of a further power station; and, if so, when;
(3) how many new power stations are likely to be authorised prior to 1980.