HC Deb 03 December 1986 vol 106 cc676-7W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will describe the latest detailed six-year forecast of capital requirements supplied to his Department by the Central Electricity Generating Board; what are the approximate figures in respect of (a) building new power stations, (b) refurbishing or improving existing power stations and (c) improving the distribution and transmission system for each year of the period; and if he will make a statement;

(2) whether the latest detailed six-year forecast of capital requirements supplied to his Department by the Central Electricity Generating Board contains specific provision for at least one new coal-fired power station to begin construction in that period; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goodlad

Electricity demand forecasts and ways in which these might be met by new generation capacity and—or plant refurbishment are under continuing consideration by the CEGB. My right hon. Friend has received no applications for consent to new power stations other than Sizewell B. Any necessary development of the transmission system will depend on decisions about generation. Improvements to the distribution system are for the area electricity boards.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will name the power stations for which investment approval has been given since 1979, stating the date of approval in each case; whether for each such power station his Department received a detailed analysis of alternative siting costs; whether his Department received other information on alternative siting options; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goodlad

The only major station for which the CEGB has been given approval since 1979 is Heysham II in September 1981. A wide range of relevant information is received by the Department when considering applications for investment approval on new power stations.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Energy, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby on 25 November, Official Report, column 154, whether the costs of alternative siting options are a material factor in giving investment approval for a new power station on a specified site; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goodlad

The importance of alternative siting options is likely to vary with the case in question.