§ 91 Major P. Robertsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the Central Electricity Board in September, 1946, issued a notification to the public to the effect that an occasional reduction of the electricity load is caused by regular loss of about 300,000 k.w., due to inferior quality fuel delivered to power stations feeding the grid; and what action he is taking to improve the quality of fuel and overcome this difficulty.
§ Mr. ShinwellOwing to the great increase in the consumption of electricity and, in consequence, in the requirements of coal by electricity undertakings, it is inevitable that some of the fuel supplied should be of poorer quality than formerly. Every possible step is being taken to improve the preparation of coal but, apart from this, no immediate improvement in the quality of deliveries to electricity undertakings can be looked for.
§ 93. Mr. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is considering the possibility of importing supplies of electricity by submarine cable connecting Norway with the North-East of Scotland; and what saving of British coal could be achieved if none were required for the production of electricity in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. ShinwellNo, Sir.