HC Deb 17 July 1961 vol 644 c875
28. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Power to what extent power stations in Great Britain depend upon Did supplies from Kuwait.

Mr. Wood

It is not practicable to identify the origin of the fuel oil burned at power stations.

Mr. Hughes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it appears, therefore, that it does not matter who owns Kuwait, whether Iraq or the Ruler of Kuwait, we get the oil from there just the same but the Minister will not know the answer?

Mr. Wood

If the hon. Member is quite certain that we shall get the oil, there may be no basis for his worry. Although I was not able to identify the precise amount of oil than comes from Kuwait and is burned in our power stations, I was able to answer my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) last week that 40 per cent. of our total oil supplies comes from Kuwait. Therefore, we attach quite a reasonable amount of importance to the political conditions there.