HC Deb 10 December 1968 vol 775 cc182-3
4. Mr. Milne

asked the Minister of Power if he will undertake to examine the possibilities available of increasing the amount of coal to be used by the Central Electricity Generating Board in power stations throughout the country in order to slow down the contraction of the mining industry in areas of high unemployment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mason

Coal consumption in power stations and gas works has already been increased by about 6 million tons a year at a cost of nearly £10 million and these industries together take about half of coal output—81 million tons.

Mr. Milne

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, although this increase in consumption of coal for electricity and gas undertakings is very welcome, there is still room for about another £10 million to be consumed in this way? Will he undertake to make a study of this so as to help the areas of high unemployment in our coalfields?

Mr. Mason

My mind is always open to constructive ideas, but I should warn my hon. Friend that the present subsidy in extra coal burned at power staions is very expensive: £45 million is the cost now for the increase in coal burned at power stations and gasworks, but this alone keeps 15,000 jobs open in the coal fields.

Mr. Ridley

Would the Minister agree that the extra coal take should be based only on the coal being properly priced? Is he aware that the Treasury has been giving anxious consideration to the pricing policies of the National Coal Board for a long time? When will something be done about the matter?

Mr. Mason

Consideration by Ministers of investment in industrial machinery sometimes should be tempered with compassion and understanding because of the effect on men's lives.