§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much coal was required for electricity generation in Scotland in 1983–84; and what are the latest estimates for the tonnage of coal required for electricity generation in Scotland in 1984–85, and for the following three years.
§ Mr. Allan StewartI understand that total coal burn, including slurry, by SSEB, in 1983–84 for Scottish electricity requirements was 3.7 million tonnes, and that an additional 1.3 million tonnes was used to provide net exports of power to England and Wales. While the board's plans envisage a substantial continuing role for coal in electricity generation, with a significant increase in 1985 following the ending of the use of gas liquids at Peterhead, I cannot give firm forecasts in present circumstances.