HC Deb 10 July 1950 vol 477 c936
24. Mr. Maclay

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what stocks of coal, in terms of weekly consumption, are held by each regional gas board; and whether he is satisfied that these stocks are sufficient or can be built up to ensure that in the event of a severe winter the demands for gas by industrial and domestic consumers can be met.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the figures of the stocks of coal now held by each of the area gas boards. Taking all the areas in the country together, the boards held, on 25th June last, stocks amounting, on the average, to three weeks' consumption in winter weather. At the beginning of last winter, the stocks amounted to 4.9 weeks' consumption; I have given instructions that, by the beginning of next winter, they shall be built up to 5.3 weeks' consumption. I am confident that this should be enough.

Following are the figures:

GAS WORKS STOCKS OF COAL AT 25TH JUNE IN TERMS OF WINTER WEEKS' CONSUMPTION
Scottish … … … … 2.3
Northern … … … … 3.2
North-Western … … … … 2.4
North-Eastern … … … … 2.8
East Midlands … … … … 2.6
West Midlands … … … … 2.9
Wales … … … … 2.9
Eastern … … … … 3.0
North Thames … … … … 3.8
South-Eastern … … … … 3.3
Southern … … … … 3.2
South-Western … … … … 3.3