§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions relating to the choice of fuel for the Pembroke power station he has had with the Countryside Council for Wales regarding the advice received from English Nature with regard to the impact of orimulsion on the pollution-sensitive species.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettNone. The proposal to extend Pembroke power station (to enable it to burn orimulsion) is currently being considered by the Secretary of State for Energy under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. I understand that the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) has lodged an objection with the Department of Energy against the proposal. Concurrently Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution (HMIP) is considering an application from National Power under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for authorisation to burn orimulsion fuel at Pembroke. As one of the statutory consultees, CCW is being consulted by HMIP about the application.
In these circumstances it would not be appropriate for my right hon. Friend to hold discussions with CCW on this matter, particularly in view of his statutory appellate role in respect of applications under the Environmental Protection Act.