HC Deb 07 November 1977 vol 938 cc11-2W
Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what action he has taken to end the disruption in power supplies ;

(2) if he will make a statement on the disruption of power supplies.

Mr. Benn :

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made in the House on Friday 4th November.

Cwts
First 30 weeks of Overall Face ElsewhereUnderground Surface
1977–78 42.0 151.4 83.4 192.0
1976–77 42.5 149.6 85.8 193.5
1975–76 44.0 154.4 89.11 198.5
974–75 43.9 153.2 90.4 193.8
1973–74 45.2 [Breakdown not available]
1972–73 44.4 145.0 95.0 196.4

I welcome the statement issued last week by the President, Secretary and Vice-President of the National Union of Mineworkers, following the result of the ballot on the productivity scheme, stressing the importance of an increase in coal production.

Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he proposes to discuss with the National Coal Board plans to implement the productivity scheme in those areas where there was a majority vote in favour.

Mr. Benn :

No. Questions relating to the implementation of productivity

Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what is the estimated daily loss of power supplies in kilowatt hours resulting from the present industrial dispute ;

(2) how many power stations are affected by the current industrial dispute ; how many consumers have had cuts in power supplies ; and what is the estimated loss of industrial production caused by the disruption.

Mr. Benn :

I am informed by the Electricity Council that the dispute has led to a shortage of capacity of around 20 per cent. at peak demand, resulting in a 15 per cent. level of disconnections.

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