HC Deb 22 March 1957 vol 567 cc74-5W
Mr, J. Harvey

asked the Paymaster-General the estimated quantity of coal needed to supply the country's anticipated electricity requirements in 1965 and 1970 but for the projected development of atomic energy.

Mr. Maudling

About 70 and 85 million tons respectively, including the coal equivalent of any oil used.

Mr. J. Harvey

asked the Paymaster-General the estimated quantity of coal needed to supply the country's anticipated electricity requirements in 1965 and 1970 when allowance has been made for the projected development of atomic energy.

Mr. Maudling

In 1965 about 56 million tons, including the coal equivalent of any oil used, since it is hoped that during that year the revised nuclear programme will save some 14 million tons of coal equivalent, whether in the form of coal or oil, compared with the 18 million tons to be saved from a full year's operation of 6,000 MW of nuclear capacity commissioned by the end of 1965. It is too early to predict the subsequent development of atomic energy.