HC Deb 10 March 1998 vol 308 cc169-70W
Mr. Redwood

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what advice the Government have received concerning the legality of a moratorium on new gas-fired power stations. [33298]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 5 March 1998]: I am satisfied that the arrangements for the handling of applications in relation to new power stations set out in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Rugby and Kenilworth (Mr. King) of 22 December 1997, Official Report, columns 519–20, are legally sound.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances the Government would consider an application for a new gas-fired power station before the conclusion of her review of energy sources for power generation. [33299]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 6 March 1998]: Our general approach is to defer decisions on power station applications until the work of the Review has been completed. I have said I would be prepared to consider, on their merits, reasoned requests for exceptions to be made in particular cases. In this context, I have also said I would be mindful of the environmental and other benefits of combined heat and power. I have indicated that such requests should be made in writing.