§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if, consequent to the Prime Minister's statement on energy supply of 13th December, he will state strategies considered, but not adopted, aimed at reducing electricity consumption by 20 per cent. and the reasons why he considered the three-day closure solution to be required;
371W(2) if, consequent to the Prime Minister's statement on energy supplies of 13th December, he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the projected economies in electricity consumption of the various categories of users, in both actual and percentage terms, that he expects to be made after 1st January 1974.
§ Mr. EmeryAny system of rota disconnections would have affected both essential and non-essential services. In order to protect essential services, the necessary reduction therefore has to be found by reducing demand in industry, commerce and in the home.
Approximately half of the reduction is expected to come from the restrictions on industry and commerce and the remainder from savings in the home. I urge everyone to exercise the utmost economy in the use of electricity.