HC Deb 28 October 1985 vol 84 c649
2. Mr. Colvin

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the level of coal supplies held at power stations.

The Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Peter Walker)

The latest published figures are for the end of July. They show stocks held at power stations in Great Britain at 18.6 million tonnes.

Mr. Colvin

Although my right hon. Friend does not run our coal industry, will he follow the example set by his predecessor and encourage the National Coal Board and the Central Electricity Generating Board to build up stocks of coal at both pitheads and power stations so that the resolve of people, particularly miners, who want to continue to work, if there is an industrial dispute, is not undermined by the threat of power shortages?

Mr. Walker

Electricity boards recognise the importance of having good stocks at power stations. The figure is for the end of July, and as August, September and October are the months in which stocks build up fastest, I expect that the next published figure will show quite a big improvemet.

Mr. Baldry

Is there anything about the level of coal stocks which shows the need for an increase in electricity prices beyond the rate of inflation?

Mr. Walker

Not that I know of.