HC Deb 12 June 1980 vol 986 cc780-2
5. Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions have taken place between his Department and the National Coal Board regarding the use of solid fuel in the Province.

Mr. Giles Shaw

Following the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 22 November 1979, I met the senior marketing executive of the National Coal Board on 29 January 1980. We had a wide-ranging discussion on the coal situation in Northern Ireland. My officials continue to be in contact with the National Coal Board and the Northern Ireland coal trade and I remain satisfied that all possible steps are being taken to meet requirements.

Mr. Skinner

Is the Minister aware that in this area of the United Kingdom market forces tend not to operate and the Government poke their nose into every convenient hole? Has the hon. Gentleman noted the recommendations made by the world coal study suggesting that between one-half and two-thirds of additional energy will need to be supplied by the coal industry? Will he ensure that coal becomes more established in those parts of Northern Ireland industry for which he is responsible, recognising the fact that when markets for coal are lost, pits shut and never reopen?

Mr. Shaw

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that Northern Ireland is heavily dependent upon coal supplies and is a prime user of coal for energy. My answer indicates the prospects for increasing the market. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that Northern Ireland will still require the bulk of its supplies to come from the National Coal Board.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell

Does the Minister agree that the welcome improvement, both for transportation and the marketing of solid fuel in Northern Ireland, is in no way inconsistent with or inimical to the development in the Province of other sources of energy, where appropriate.

Mr. Shaw

I agree entirely with that point.

Mr. Kilfedder

Does the Minister appreciate that Ulster people feel they are treated as second class citizens because the cost of lighting and fuel is higher than in the rest of Great Britain and the quality of the coal, although more expensive than in Great Britain, is lower than that available in other parts of the United Kingdom? What action does he intend to take to remedy that situation?

Mr. Shaw

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that a consumer council is available to investigate complaints of this kind. With regard to the quality of coal, the last indication I had was that complaints were directed at coal imported from the United States and not to coal from the National Coal Board.

Mr. John

Will the Minister accept that the family expenditure survey showed that families in Northern Ireland spend 50 per cent. more on light and heat than their counterparts on the mainland? Does not that indicate two problems? The first is the problem of domestic heating. Will he bear in mind that coal from Great Britain is likely to prove more successful and give a better thermal value? The second problem is the cost of generating electricity. The frequent and constant rises in oil prices are making what appeared to be a good choice 10 years ago a very uneconomic one now. Bearing in mind the dual firing now being arranged at Kilroot power station, will the Minister arrange for a comparative study of generation costs between coal and oil at present prices?

Mr. Shaw

With regard to the first part of the question, I accept the crucial importance of seeking to maintain in the Province energy prices that are bearable. I accept that, in many instances, they are not bearable. The hon. Gentleman will recognise that the recent coal price increase of 10.7 per cent. is comparable with that in certain other parts of the United Kingdom.

With regard to his second point, the dual firing at Kilroot is still at an investigation and recommendation stage and no decision has yet been taken. I accept that this is one reason why the thorough review of energy that we have set in hand is crucial to the future development of the Province.