Coal-fired Power Stations

HC Deb 03 July 1980 vol 987 cc681-2W

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps are being taken to refurbish existing coal-fired power stations.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The CEGB carries out routine overhauls of existing coal fired stations as part of its annual programme of repair and maintenance work, and this sometimes includes some major refurbishment. In time, such work will be required at the newer, more efficient, stations. The board's current investment programme looks to the possibility of developments of this kind.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what plans there are to increase the number of coal-fired power stations in Great Britain; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norman Lamont

This is a matter in the first instance for the Central Electricity Generating Board which keeps the economics of coal-fired generation under review. There are no plans at present to construct new coal-fired stations, though studies have been undertaken of possible coal-fired developments at a number of sites.

Power stations in Scotland are the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Scotland.