HC Deb 06 April 1950 vol 473 cc195-6W
105. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give the kilowatt needs of electricity for the whole country for 1950, 1951, and 1952, respectively; how far he expects that the needs will be met; and on what date he expects that electricity load-spreading will cease.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

The estimated peak demands in average winter weather in 1950–51, 1951–52 and 1952–53 are 12,600,000, 13,400,000 and 14,300,000 kilowatts respectively; the deficit in average weather in these three winters will be about 800,000, 650,000 and 500,000 kilowatts but in extremely severe weather these deficits might be increased by 1,000,000 kilowatts each. All load-spreading for the winter which has just ended ceased on 31st March. The Electricity Sub-Committee of the Joint Consultative Committee is now considering what the position will be next winter.