§ 8. Mr. William A. Stewardasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give an assurance that the future building programme for additional power stations is being related to the anticipated output of coal, in view of the need for increasing the export of coal.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydThis is naturally a matter that will receive careful attention, but in emphasising the need for increasing coal exports we should be careful not to underrate the importance of an increasing supply of electric power for British industry.
§ Mr. StewardWould not the Minister agree that increased exports, for instance, to the Argentine, would make a very big difference to our meat supplies, and that this aspect might be taken into consideration—or rather should be taken into consideration—before schemes for increasing power stations are considered?
§ Mr. LloydI would agree with my hon. Friend about the paramount importance of increasing our coal exports, but I must remind him that the efficiency of British industry depends to a large extent on an increased supply of power.