§ 17. Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Minister of Power how much coal was used in the Central Electricity Generating Board's power stations in 1968; and how this compares with the previous year.
§ Mr. Mason67 million tons, compared with 62 million tons in 1967. This was a record level of consumption.
§ Mr. WainwrightHow much of the total tonnage is due to the 1967 Act? Will my right hon. Friend now start discussions with the National Coal Board to secure at least a continuation of, if not an improvement in, the 1967 Act beyond 1971?
§ Mr. MasonAlmost 6 million tons are attributable to assistance arising under the Coal Industry Act, 1967. This boosted the power station burn. We have not yet given the question of post-1971 assistance the detailed consideration that it requires.