§ Mr. George Gardinerasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the current shortfall in normal deliveries of domestic coal to suppliers, and of any steps he is taking to improve the position, particularly in respect of deliveries of anthracite.
§ Mr. EadieIt is not possible to define normal levels and hence to measure shortfalls because of short-term variations in coal deliveries and the long-standing trend towards reduced domestic coal consumption. However, the figures below show higher deliveries during this summer compared with last, despite a steady decline in annual disposals between 1970 and 1973.
hopes to satisfy all contract commitments for the most popular of these grades throughout the winter, and is working with the coal trade to arrange distribution as equitably as possible.