§ Mr. Rostasked 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. Rostasked 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
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§ Mr. Rostasked 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.