§ 59. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Technology how the decline of coal production in this country compares with the decline in coal-producing countries of the European Economic Community from the year 1964 to the nearest available date, from information available to him from international sources.
Mr. Alan WilliamsSince 1964 U.K. production has fallen by 22 per cent. and Community production by 28 per cent. Following are detailed figures:
§ Mr. Harold LeverAbout one-third of total primary fuel use in the mid-seventies will be for electricity generation.
§ 65. Sir J. Edenasked the Minister of Technology what proportion of spare 253W electricity capacity is planned for each of the next five years.
§ Mr. Harold LeverThe last estimates made by the C.E.G.B. in 1969 showed margins well in excess of 17 per cent., but these estimates will probably be revised downwards later this year on the basis of changed assumptions about the rate of commissioning of new plant.