HC Deb 27 July 2000 vol 354 cc726-7W
Mrs. Betty Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will announce his decision on Burlington Resources (Irish Sea) Ltd.'s proposal to build a gas-fired power station at Rhosgoch on the Isle of Anglesey. [133738]

Mrs. Liddell

The Government have received new information on the proposal to build a new 560 MW gas-fired power station at Rhosgoch, Anglesey. This was refused approval on 9 November 1999 on energy policy grounds and a direction under section 14(3) of the Energy Act 1976 to that effect was issued. However, as in all such cases, the Government indicated that they would be willing to reconsider their decision should new information come to their attention that there had been a significant change in circumstances.

The Government have now received new information which warrants reconsideration of the proposal, not least on local and environmental grounds. After re-evaluating the further information, the Government have concluded that the proposal should not be halted on energy policy grounds and that the direction of 9 November 1999 should be revoked.

However, local planning and other clearances are still required under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.

I have placed copies of the Press Notice and the decision letter in the Library of the House.