HC Deb 29 November 1982 vol 33 cc4-5W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy under what circumstances he expects that the Central Electricity Generating Board rather than the area boards would supply electricity direct to a private generator under clause 5(3B) of the Energy Bill.

Mr. Mellor

Section 2(6) of the Electricity Act 1957 gives the Central Electricity Generating Board power to supply electricity to anyone in Great Britain other than the area boards or the Scottish boards, subject to the consent of the Secretary of State. That section would apply equally to supplies given to private generators in response to a request under clause 5(2)(a) of the Energy Bill.

These provisions would normally apply where the size, type, or location of the supply requested made it appropriate for the CEGB to give the supply.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy to what extent electricity is generated privately in each member country of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Mellor

In 1981 electricity generated by producers outside the public supply systems in each of the member countries, as a percentage of total generation, was:

Per cent.
Belgium 7
Denmark 2
Federal Republic of Germany 18
France 11
Greece 1
Ireland 1
Italy 17
Luxembourg 53
Netherlands 10
United Kingdom 6
Europe Total 12

Source: Eurostat Monthly Bulletin on Electrical Energy September 1982. The figures are rounded.