§ 7. Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied that the level of coal stocks held at power stations is adequate.
§ Mr. BrothertonIs the Minister aware of the widespread concern at the level of coal stocks held at a number of power stations throughout the country? Will he bear in mind the statement made by leaders of the National Union of Mine-workers never again to allow large stocks of coal to be held at power stations? Will he assure the House that steps will be taken before the onset of winter to repair the present situation?
§ Mr. EadieI can only give the hon. Gentleman the facts. The stocks at the moment are about 17½ million tons compared with 11.8 million tons at the same time in 1974 and 19 million tons in 1973. I think the hon. Gentleman will agree that the stocking position has substantially improved.