§ 22. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the total energy consumption in Great Britain in terms of coal equivalent in 1969 and in 1973; 308W and what is his forecast of total energy consumption in 1977 and the proportion of that consumption provided by coal in each of the years mentioned.
§ Mr. VarleyTotal energy consumption in Great Britain in 1969 was 312 million tons of coal equivalent and 335.5 million tons in 1973. The proportion of that consumption provided by coal was 51 per cent. and 39 per cent. respectively. Bearing in mind the uncertainties of the current energy situation I consider it could be misleading to publish a forecast for energy consumption, and the proportions of that consumption accounted for by different fuels, for 1977. But my hon. Friend will have seen the forecasts set out in the interim report of the tripartite examination.