Electricity Generation

Mr. Allen
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what estimates he has made of the impact of (a) the commission of new gas-fired generating capacity and (b) the importation through east coast ports of low-sulphur content coal; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Baldry
The extent to which the generators construct new gas generating capacity and import low-sulphur coal will depend on the level of electricity demand, fuel prices and capital costs.