HC Deb 20 October 1969 vol 788 cc759-61
Sir J. Eden (by Private Notice)

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a statement about the immediate effect of the miners' strike on the supply of coal for the wool, textile, steel and other industries.

The Paymaster-General (Mr. Harold Lever)

In general, distributed coal stocks are high. Power stations have about seven weeks' supply in hand, the gas industry enough for 3½ weeks; steel for two weeks and other large industrial coal-users for between two and three weeks, on average. Total distributed coal stocks amount to 18 million tons.

I cannot, of course, rule out the possibility that some individual consumers may be facing early difficulties. So far, however, only the wool-textile industry has expressed concern to me about the risk of early shortage.

Sir J. Eden

First, I should like to welcome the right hon. Gentleman to this particular post.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has been informed that some wool-textile mills may have to close unless they can get supplies almost at once?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the steel industry oven production has been cut back to 60 per cent. and that in some areas coke stocks are down to less than one week's consumption? Will he give the House an assurance that there will be no interference with the drawing on pit-head stocks of coal?

Mr. Lever

On the information that I have, it would seem that the wool-textile industry should be able to cope with the situation for the rest of the week.

I cannot speak about the details of the stock position in the steel industry, but the overall position is as I have given it. The question of other stocks is one for the Coal Board, upon which the responsibility lies to assist its customers to the best of its ability.

Mr. Lubbock

Concerning the delivered stocks to power stations constituting seven weeks' supply, will the Minister give an assurance that this supply is uniform throughout the country and that there are not likely to be local shortages?

Further, will he represent publicly to those concerned that the strike is likely to encourage the electricity supply industry to speed up the conversion from coal to oil in its power stations?

Mr. Lever

While I cannot engage in statistical niceties, I think that I can assure the hon. Gentleman that there is no risk to supplies to power stations in the next few weeks.

On the latter part of the question, I do not think that comment in that area would be very helpful from me at this time.

Mr. Kelley

Is the Minister aware that if there is any anxiety about supplies for industry it might be largely due to the lack of consideration which the Government have given to the protests which have been made about the run-down of the coal industry? Stocks have fallen from 29 million tons to less than 21 million tons over the past few months.

Mr. Lever

I do not accept that. This matter has been fully discussed in the House. Stocks are ample in ordinary circumstances. We cannot relate this present possibility of shortage to the total size of the coal industry.

Mr. David Griffiths

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is unfortunate that the hon. Member for Bournemouth, West (Sir J. Eden) has not mentioned one of our more vitally humane institutions, namely, hospitals? He has only mentioned private industry profits —steel, wool, etc.

Mr. R. Carr

In view of the settlement of the dispute, which is the only real answer, can the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the offer which Lord Robens made last week—

Mr. Speaker

Order. With respect, this Question is about the shortage of supplies of coal to certain industries. Questions must be put on that basis.