HC Deb 23 May 1978 vol 950 cc489-91W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he anticipates the construction of further coal-fired power stations between now and 1990, Drax B apart, in the light of the substantial margin of advantage in operating costs secured by nuclear reactors.

collected only since 1961 and, subject to this qualification, the information requested is shown in the tables below.

Mr. Eadie

Requirements for new generating plant, whether coal-fired or nuclear, will be kept under review in the light of all relevant factors.

Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has initiated application for loans or grants from the EEC under the schemes to promote coal burn in power stations, and to promote demonstration plants for more rational use of energy; and if the construction of Drax B would be eligible for such assistance if it is designed as a combined heat and power station.

Mr. Eadie

Neither scheme has yet been approved by the EEC Council of Energy Ministers. If the coal burn scheme was implemented on the lines currently under consideration, the eligibility of a coal-fired station would be unaffected whether or not it was designed as a CHP station. A CHP station might be eligible if the Commission's proposals for support of demonstration projects were implemented.

Mr. George Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what has been the percentage of coal-fired capacity in the power stations in the United Kingdom for each of the past three years;

(2) what is the estimated percentage of coal-fired capacity in the power stations in the United Kingdom for each of the next three years.

Mr. Eadie

Power stations in Scotland and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively. I am advised by the CEGB that the estimated percentage of coal fired, including dual-fired, capacity out of the total CEGB plant for the last three years and the next three years, at 31st March each year, is as follows:

1976 70.3
1977 70.9
1978 71.7
1979 70.5
1980 68.8
1981 66.4