§ 2. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the level of coal stocks at power stations compared with a year earlier.
§ The Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Eric G. Varley)Coal stocks held at power stations in Great Britain on 11th January were 13.1 million tons as compared with 13.7 million tons at the corresponding date in 1974.
§ Mr. MartenI am grateful to the right not be—a cessation of coal production, copy of that reply before Question Time—no doubt inadvertently—by placing it on the board.
If the present weather continues and if there were to be—as we hope there will not be—a cessation of coal production, for how many weeks would the coal stocks last?
§ Mr. VarleyIf there were to be a cessation of coal production it would be difficult to estimate how long Stocks would last, but I hope that there are and will be continuous harmonious industrial relations in the coal mining industry, and I know that the whole House shares that wish. Existing coal stocks at power stations are about 5 million to 6 million tons above the critical level. Undoubtedly the abnormally mild weather during December helped to balance the situation. In addition, I say a big "Thank you" not to you, Mr. Speaker, but to the Almighty for answering my prayers.