§ 14. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Power, based on the revised estimate for electricity demand for 1971 to 1975, and as a result of new electricity generation capacity, at what price range per unit he estimates electricity will be available on a bulk tariff basis for selected industrial users, with a view to implementing a cheap energy policy.
§ Mr. FreesonI cannot give estimates for particular categories of consumer, but it would be reasonable to assume that electricity costs generally will tend to fall in real terms over the years.
§ Mr. OsbornIs it not essential to have such details in preparing forecasts? If offers of cheap coal to Alcan and other outside users of coal are implemented, will not this increase the cost of 1173 electricity to the consumer, because of the increase in the cost of coal to the C.E.G.B.?
§ Mr. FreesonThe answer to both points is, "No, Sir".
§ Mr. EmeryHow can the Minister possibly suggest that if a million tons of cheap coal are not sold to the C.E.G.B., and it must replace them by a million tons of more expensive coal, this is not to be reflected in an increase of costs to the C.E.G.B.?
§ Mr. FreesonThe hon. Gentleman's description of the position concerning coal supplies to the electricity industry is quite inaccurate.