HC Deb 31 July 1978 vol 955 cc1-2W
19. Mr. Mike Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his current gigawatt estimate of Central Electricity Generating Board and South of Scotland Electricity Board orders for power plants for each of the next five years.

Mr. Eadie

The CEGB intends to place orders for completion of Drax in 1978—2 GW—and Heysham Stage II in 1980–1.3 GW. It is also its declared intention that, provided design work is satisfactorily completed and all necessary Government and other consents and safety clearances have been obtained, it will order a PWR station. It does not consider that a start on site could be made before 1982.

The above is not an exclusive list of orders. The need for other orders will be kept under review in the light of all relevant factors.

The South of Scotland Electricity Board is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.