HC Deb 07 May 1962 vol 659 cc24-5
17. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Power what was Scotland's share of Great Britain's industrial fuel oil consumption in 1948 and in 1961; and what was the percentage increase or decrease in such fuel oil consumption over the period in Great Britain and Scotland, respectively.

Mr. Wood

Liquid fuels burnt by the larger industrial consumers in Scotland represented 6.5 per cent. of the corresponding total consumption in Great Britain in 1948 and 8.4 per cent. in 1961. The annual average increase over the period was 15.3 per cent. in Scotland and 13 per cent. in Great Britain.

Mr. Rankin

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that this increase in industrial fuel oil consumption must be bearing very heavily on Scottish coal mining, and does he think it fair that the cost of the increase should be borne by the men in the industry? Has he no policy to soften the impact of the increased oil consumption on coal mining?

Mr. Wood

While it is perfectly true that the increase has been greater proportionately in Scotland than elsewhere, the consumption of liquid fuel in Scotland in 1948, at the beginning of the period the hon. Gentleman chose, was extremely low, and I frankly feel that the increase in consumption of liquid fuels is very much to the benefit of Scotland.

Mr. Rankin

Is the Minister suggesting that it has been for the benefit of the coal mining industry and the men and women employed in it? Has he nothing to offer to soften the effect of this change on the industry?

Mr. Wood

There is another Question down about the refining industry in Scotland which, perhaps, will be relevant to this question. The other point is that, important as the coal milling industry is in Scotland, it is not the only industry, and this increase has, presumably, been generally to the benefit of Scottish industry as a Whole.