HC Deb 05 March 1979 vol 963 cc599-600W
Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the present relationship of supply to demand for household paraffin and kerosene; and what are his policy intentions in this matter.

Dr. John Cunningham

The severity of the current winter has meant that demand for this form of heating has been exceptionally high. Nationally, current stocks are generally adequate to meet the forecast demand but there are distribution difficulties in some areas which give rise to some concern. The Department of Energy with the assistance of the industry has watched the situation closely and we shall continue to monitor developments.