§ 76. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Minister of Power what steps he has taken to ensure sufficient supplies of smokeless fuels in those areas which may be affected by the growth of gas conversions arising from natural gas and a fall-off of smokeless fuel production.
§ Mr. MasonThe gas industry have kept other producers informed of the decline in gas coke production, and the National Coal Board and independent producers are increasing their supplies of smokeless fuels, so that demand may always be covered. My Department examines the trends in supply and demand, in consultation with the producers and the coal trade.
§ Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Power what is the latest estimate of stocks of smokeless fuels for domestic and industrial use in the north-eastern and Yorkshire areas, respectively; what is the estimated monthly consumption; and what steps he is taking in consultation with the National Coal Board and the merchants to remedy the anticipated shortage.
§ Mr. FreesonTotal known stocks of solid smokeless fuels in the Northern and the Yorkshire and Humberside Regions are estimated to be 0. 5 million tons and 0. 4 million tons, respectively and average
348Wthe two sectors jointly, the value of orders for new construction received by private contractors per head of population analysed by economic planning regions.
§ Mr. MellishFollowing is the information:
monthly consumption 0. 25 million tons and 0. 3 million tons respectively.
I do not expect a shortage of solid smokeless fuels this winter in any part of the country. Alternatives should be readily available, if particular varieties are in short supply.