HC Deb 01 December 1997 vol 302 c94W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will require coal to be the main fuel for base load generating stations. [16438]

Mr. Battle

The choice of baseload generation should be determined on the basis of cost as assessed in a market which is fair. In the review of the Electricity Trading Arrangements (including the Pool), which I announced on 23 October 1997, the Government will examine whether the market is tilted against coal, and, if so, what changes are needed to level the playing field.