HC Deb 21 February 1967 vol 741 c1407
9. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Minister of Power what estimates he has made of the proportion of the different primary fuels which will be used by the electricity supply industry in 1969, 1970 and 1971.

Mr. Freeson

The proportion will depend in part on decisions which may arise from the current review of fuel policy.

Mr. Roberts

Would not my hon. Friend agree that these estimates and trends are urgently required if we are to get this revised fuel policy soon?

Mr. Freeson

Of course they are required urgently, but the urgency is not confined to this industry. As has been said several times already this afternoon, we are undertaking a series of major studies in this and other fields concerning our energy requirements.

Mr. Barber

Does not the hon. Gentlemen appreciate that his right hon. Friend and he are giving the impression in one Answer after another that they have no idea where they are going? Is it not time that they came to the House and gave a specific date by which they would have a fuel policy? Is it not incredible that we should go on drifting as we apparently are?

Mr. Freeson

My right hon. Friend has already indicated that he hopes to make some statement on this matter in a little while prior to any major statement of policy decisions which may be made later on. In the short time that I have been at the Ministry, I have been very impressed with the studies being undertaken in this field.