HC Deb 29 April 1969 vol 782 cc1148-50
26. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Minister of Power how much coal was used by the electricity industry in the first quarter of 1969, compared with the same period of the previous three years.

Mr. Freeson

In the first quarter of 1969 about 23½ million tons were used by the electricity industry compared with 21¾, 18¾ and 20 million tons, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 1968, 1967, and 1966.

Mr. Watkins

Does my hon. Friend expect this relative stability in consumption to continue?

Mr. Freeson

It is not possible for me to say that the identical figures will be repeated over the period which still stands until the conclusion of the Act in 1971, but the figures for the first half of the current financial year will be an additional burn of 2.3 million tons of coal, and we will see how it goes towards the end of the year.

Mr. Speed

Will the hon. Gentleman say how much extra coal would have been used if the rate of growth in the National Plan had been achieved?

Mr. Freeson

Not without notice.

Mr. Ogden

Has my hon. Friend seen the announcement last week about new technical developments made by the National Coal Board which enable coal to be burned in electricity generating stations more efficiently and more cheaply?

Mr. Freeson

I imagine that my hon. Friend is referring to the fluidised bed technique which is being studied by the industry. We are fully aware of this research project, which is going ahead, and it has the full support of the C.E.G.B. It is still rather early to say what will be the outcome of the work, but we are watching it with great interest and, indeed, hope.

27. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Minister of Power what extra tonnage of coal was used by the electricity industry in 1968–69 as a result of Government assistance under the Coal Industry Act 1967.

Mr. Freeson

It is estimated that in 1968–69 additional coal totalling about 6½ million tons was burnt by the C.E.G.B. and the Scottish Electricity Boards as a result of Government assistance under the Coal Industry Act, 1967.

Mr. Watkins

How does my hon. Friend expect these trends to develop in 1969–70?

Mr. Freeson

I gave a partial answer to that in reply to the last Question. At present we expect in the first half of the year an extra burn of 2.3 million tons, and we will see later on in the year how far the extra burn will be authorised for the latter part of 1969–70. The Act continues until 1971, and this additional burn will be continuing.

Mr. Emery

Will the Minister tell the House how much Government finance was necessary to obtain the extra 61 million tons? In other words, what was the subsidisation out of public funds to obtain the extra coal burn?

Mr. Freeson

I am not able to answer that question without notice. The calculations are done after the flow of coal into the power stations, and after the C.E.G.B. has identified and agreed with us what allocation of its burn is required to be subsidised in this fashion.