asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what Departments are consulted when it is proposed to build a new power station both from a point of view of defence and the accessibility of coal supplies.

Before applying for my sanction to the construction of a power station, the British Electricity Authority discuss the availability of coal with the National Coal Board and the Railway Executive. Before I sanction the construction of a power station, I discuss all relevant considerations, including those relating to defence, with those of my colleagues who are concerned. The necessary co-ordinating machinery exists for this purpose.