HC Deb 25 November 1974 vol 882 cc2-3W
18. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will issue a general direction to the National Coal Board to ensure that adequate supplies of smokeless fuel are available this winter.

23. Mr. John H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are now the stocks of all the main grades, including smokeless fuels and solid fuels, respectively, and in total; how this figure compares with a year ago; what is the rate of production of each grade and in total; and how this compares with use and consumption.

Mr. Eadie

It is unnecessary to issue a general direction to the National Coal Board. It is fully aware of the demand situation and is doing everything possible to meet it.

Following are the figures:

42. Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the estimated current level of pithead and distributed coal stocks; and how these compare with the corresponding period a year earlier.

Mr. Eadie

Following is the information:

The estimated level of coal stocks as at 9th November 1974 are as follows:

million tons
NCB (undistributed) … 6.1
Power Stations … 13.6
Coke ovens … 1.7
Other distributed … 0.2
Total distributed … 15.5

The levels at the corresponding period last year—10th November 1973—were as follows:

NCB (undistributed) … 12.9
Power stations … 19.1
Coke Ovens … 2.0
Other distributed … 0.3
Total distributed … 21.4