HC Deb 27 March 1995 vol 257 c404W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans his Department has to hold a public inquiry into National Power's plans to burn orimulsion fuel in Pembroke; and if he will make a statement. [16631]

Mr. Page

National Power plc submitted an application on 5 January 1995 under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for the President of the Board of Trade's consent to retrofit flue gas desulphurisation plant at the Pembroke power station in order to use emulsified hydrocarbons as the fuel.

Should a relevant planning authority object to the application, my right hon. Friend would be obliged to hold a public inquiry before reaching his decision on it.

If there is no objection from a relevant planning authority, my right hon. Friend may still call for a public inquiry to be held at his own discretion.