HC Deb 05 March 1947 vol 434 cc491-2
The Prime Minister

I propose, with Mr. Speaker's permission, to make a further statement on the fuel position. The total amount of coal consumed at electricity generating stations under the control of the Central Electricity Board during the week ended Sunday last, is estimated at 545, 215 tons; in the second week of the restrictions the amount consumed was 502, 363 tons, and in the first week 496,52o tons. As compared with the total of 698, 300 tons of coal consumed in the week before the restrictions began, these figures show a saving in coal during the period of restrictions of 550, 802 tons.

As a result of these savings and of the intensive efforts made during the past month both to produce and to move the coal, stocks at the power stations throughout the country have now reached an average level of nearly 17 days' consumption. In London, however, the stocks at power stations are now at about 15½ days' consumption.

There has been a very slight overall improvement in the position at gas works throughout the country, and the average level of stocks had reached nearly 13 days' consumption by Friday last, although in London stocks are only 10 days' consumption. In these circumstances, I must emphasise that the need for the utmost economy in the use of gas and electricity for all purposes still continues.

Mr. R. S. Hudson

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the figures he has just given show that the whole of the hardship and suffering involved in this are due to less than one day's production of the mines of this country?

The Prime Minister

I really do not think that goes to the whole question. The question is where the coal is when it is available.

Mr. R. S. Hudson

One day's production of the mines of this country—owing to the lack of foresight by the Government to accumulate stocks.

Mr. Douglas Jay

In view of the extremely encouraging figures for production and the improvement in the coal industry since the National Coal Board took over, will the right hon. Gentleman consider making these figures available weekly to the public?

The Prime Minister

I will consider that.