§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what are the existing coal stocks at London power stations;
(2) why certain London power stations were on reduced load during the weekend of February 26th and 27th when coal stocks were available at these stations.
§ Mr. RidleyI do not have information about coal stocks at individual power stations. I understand from the C.E.G.B. that a number of coal-fired power stations were not operated at full capacity over the weekend in question because the load did not necessitate their doing so. The load at that time was reduced by the restrictions then in force, including rota shedding, and if all stations with coal stocks in hand had been allowed to operate at full output they would have unduly depleted their stocks.