HC Deb 26 November 1968 vol 774 cc101-2W
Mr. Hordern

asked the Minister of Power if he will now publish statistics showing demands for smokeless fuels.

Mr. Freeson

As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Bedfordshire, South (Mr. Gwilym Roberts) on 5th November, supply and demand figures for smokeless fuels appear in the Ministry of Power's Statistical Digest. Weekly disposals and

conclusions of the Economist Intelligence Unit's study of Great Britain's energy supply, a copy of which is in his possession; and, in the light of study's recommendations, if he will consider the revision of the White Paper on Fuel Policy;

(2) what representations have been made to him following the publication of the study of Great Britain's energy supply, produced for the National Coal Board by the Economist Intelligence Unit, a copy of which is in his possession; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Mason

The Report has been studied by officials in my Department and discussed with the fuel industries. It was one of the topics for discussion at the meeting of my Co-ordinating Committee at Sunningdale last month. The Report as I have already said, is a thoughtful contribution to the general discussion and examination of fuel policy problems but I do not accept its conclusions or consider that it invalidates the Fuel Policy White Paper. I have received no special representations concerning the Report.

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