§ 32. Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Power what were the proportions, in percentages, of energy of all kinds derived from indigenous and imported primary fuel sources for 1950 and for the latest year for which figures are available; and what is the anticipated proportionate relationship for 1970.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeThe respective percentages were 90 and 10 in 1950, and 66 and 34 in 1964, including nuclear power in the energy derived from imported primary fuel. A further decline in the percentage from indigenous sources is probable by 1970, but I cannot give a precise forecast at this stage.
§ Mr. PalmerI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, but will he bear in mind that while a great deal of imported energy is essential, and, indeed, inevitable, to have too much dependence on imported energy would be a great mistake for the future, which we might well regret?
§ Mr. LeeMy hon. Friend will know that much of the imported energy is not in competition with indigenous fuel. I am referring to petrol and similar fuels. On the other point, I agree with my hon. Friend's analysis.
§ Mr. J. H. OsbornDoes the right hon. Gentleman define natural gas from the North Sea as an indigenous fuel or an outside fuel?