Sut,—As a constant reader for many years of your excellent
journal, I have been much interested in Mr. A. C. Bossom's illuminating article in your issue of April 6th. This is a serious indictment of the super coal-fired electric station where the highest thermal efficiency does not exceed 3o per cent. By the adoption of district heating, so largely now in use in the U.S.A. and on the Continent, this could be increased to 6o per cent. to 7o per cent., with a corresponding saving of coal in addition to all the other many advantages of cleaner and healthier cities due to smoke abatement.
Hydro-electric generation, with a few exceptions, cannot compete with coal in this country based on Continental practice, where the conditions are not in any way comparable. ',The Report of the Severn Barrage Scheme, so clear, concise and comprehensive, is a direct challenge to the nebulous schemes of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board, which are causing so much concern and opposition in the Highlands.
The whole of the water power resources in the country, including the Severn Barrage Scheme, the 102 projects of the North of Scotland Board, all the water power resources at present in operation in Scotland and all those in England and Wales, could be produced for about five million tons of coal per annum, or about 21 per cent. of the whole national output in 1938. .If combined with district heating, this would be reduced by at least a half. So it can be realised how small a contribution all this power can make towards the solving of the coal problem. Why not make a start with the electrification of all but the main line railways, which would ensure far larger savings? The Technical Advisetky Committee reports that, since 1913, the increase per man shift is 54 per cent. in Poland, 81 per cent. in the Ruhr and 118 per cent. in Holland as compared with only 14 per cent. in Great Britain. Leave alone the Turrunel-Garry district and many other beauty spots— Scotland's spiritual heritage—and proceed with the many other improve- ments which will yield far greater results. Scotland is getting a.bad deal from the Government at present in its criticism of Prestwick Airport, its opposition to the Forth Bridge project, and the spoliation of its scenery and amenities by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Development Act, without any solution to the coal problem or any comparable com- pensation or benefit to the Highland people.—Yours faithfully, ALLAN ARTHUR, M.Inst.C.E., M.Inst.E.E. 107 Douglas Street, Gltzsgow, C. 2.
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