HC Deb 13 December 1973 vol 866 c173W
Mr. Stainton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are his latest forecasts of stocks of coal at power stations at mid-January and end of January 1974 on the basis of such assumptions as he has made.

Mr. Emery

In the present circumstances, I consider publication of forecasts would not be helpful.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what percentage of coal used by power stations is moved by rail; and what esimate he has made of the extent to which the effect of rail dislocation due to industrial action could be obviated by deliveries by road or other methods of transportation;

(2) what percentage of coal used by steelworks is moved by rail; and what estimate he has made of the extent to which the effect of rail dislocation due to industrial action could be obviated by deliveries by road or other methods of transportation.

Mr. Emery

Roughly 70 per cent. and 93 per cent. of power stations and steelworks respectively. The extent to which road and sea transport may substitute for rail cannot be easily estimated in the present circumstances.