HC Deb 09 May 1967 vol 746 cc1266-7
28. Mr. Alison

asked the Minister of Power whether he is satisfied that the present ratio of coal to oil, as fuel for power stations, is the most conducive to lowering industrial costs in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Marsh

Decisions on primary fuel use for electricity generation are taken in the light of all the relevant factors, including the need to keep down costs.

Mr. Alison

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember, from his informal discussions with Sir Ronald Edwards, that Sir Ronald wanted to taper off the preference given to coal and that the Minister asked Sir Ronald to defer this tapering off until publication of his new fuel policy, and that he said that it would be published early in this new year?

Mr. Marsh

There is, of course, a number of frequently conflicting objectives in fuel policy. Cost is one and, obviously, preference must be looked at from time to time.

Mr. Kelley

In assessing the usefulness of any form of fuel, will my right hon. Friend assure us that the social consequences of displacement of labour are taken into consideration by his Department?

Mr. Marsh

I was referring to the faot that there are other factors besides sheer costs. I should have said that the displacement of labour is not just affected by changes in fuel consumption but largely by methods of working and increased mechanisation.