§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many power stations are being converted from (a) gas to coal, (b) oil to coal, and (c) how many oil-fired power stations are to be dual-firing.
§ Mr. EadieNo power stations are yet being converted from gas to coal or from oil to coal. I understand from the CEGB that work to make two 500 MW units of the dual-fired power station at Kings-north capable of burning coal will be put in hand this year and is expected to be completed by the winter of 1977–78. None of the oil-fired power stations under construction for the CEGB was designed for dual-firing. We are examining the conversion possibilities with the CEGB and the NCB following the meeting between the coal and electricity industries on 20th February.
§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Energy what progress is being made towards the construction of new coal-fired power stations.
§ Mr. EadieThe timing of future orders is still uncertain but, as I told my hon. Friend on 1st December—[Official Report, Vol. 901, c. 424]—the claims of coal will be given the fullest consideration when the time comes to order a new station.