HC Deb 30 January 1998 vol 305 cc412-3W
Mr. Boswell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations took place with representatives of the gas industry before a moratorium on the building of gas-fired power stations was announced. [24319]

Mr. Battle

[holding answer 21 January 1998]: None. The gas industry, like other parties, will be able to contribute to the Review.

Mr. Boswell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade for what reasons a moratorium was imposed on the building of gas-fired power stations. [24316]

Mr. Battle

[holding answer 21 January 1998]: The Government are undertaking a review of energy sources for power generation. Its conclusions will inform the policy on consents for power stations. While the review is in hand, it seems sensible, in general, to defer decisions on applications for such consents.

Mr. Boswell

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is her policy on the building of gas-fired power stations over the longer term. [24317]

Mr. Battle

[holding answer 21 January 1998]: The Government are carrying out a review of energy sources for power generation. The terms of reference for the review were published in an answer to a parliamentary question on 22 December 1997, Official Report, column 519. The review will make recommendations on the energy policy considerations relevant to the consents needed for the building of power stations.