§ Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for Energy by what proportion electricity consumption has been reduced in the last 12 months, and what equivalent tonnage of coal this represents.
§ Mr. EadieTotal electricity available from the public supply system for the 12 months ended September 1977 was 4.6 per cent. higher than in the preceding 12 months. This represents about 4.7 million tons of coal or coal equivalent.
A direct comparison is, however, misleading because of significant differences in temperature during the two periods. After adjustment for these differences it is estimated that consumption increased by about 2 per cent.