§ Mr. Rowlandsasked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the actual, or estimated, United Kingdom production, net imports and consumption in million tonnes oil equivalent of (a) coal, (b) oil, (c) gas and (d) nuclear power in 1979 and 1980; and what assumptions he is making or the years 1981 to 1985.
§ Mr. David HowellThe information for 1979 and 1980 is as follows:216W
Coal Petroleum Natural Gas Nuclear electricity (millions tonnes of oil equivalent) Production 1979 72 78 34 8 *1980 77 80 32 8 Net arrivals 1979 1 19 8 — *1980 2 1 9 — Consumption† 1979 76 94 42 8 *1980 73 81 41 8 * Partly estimated. † Includes petroleum for non energy uses and marine bunkers. Production and net arrivals do not necessarily balance with consumption because of stock changes and statistical differences.
My main assumption for the years up to 1985 is that these aggregates will be determined by market forces. These are likely to be affected by a great variety of factors, especially the development of the United Kingdom economy generally and the future movement of world oil prices. In these circumstances it is unwise to adopt any single view of energy demand and supply.