§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the nature of the joint organisation, in which both the Central Electricity Generating Board and the National Coal Board participate, to cover when required the importation of coal for burning in power stations; and whether his Department must be consulted as a prior condition.
§ Mr. BennUnder an agreement reached between the two boards in December 1976 the CEGB provide full details to the NCB of proposed deliveries of, and discuss arrangements for the disposal of, coal imported under an existing contract. I would be consulted if the two boards failed to reach agreement. The CEGB has undertaken to consult me before entering into any new contracts to import coal.