§ Mr. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the prospects for fuel supplies during the coming winter, especially in the event of severe weather.
§ Mr. BennI have sought assessments of this from the coal, gas, electricity supply and oil industries. Their reports reveal that they believe that in general there are adequate stocks of fuel, and that they are well distributed. Oil stocks are at planned levels, and although coal stocks are somewhat below last year's high levels, the overall picture is much the same as last winter. There is spare capacity in the electricity generating system.
Given normal production, the main winter hazard to fuel supplies lies in a combination of heavy snowfall and prolonged severe frost which can interfere with road and rail movement and freeze up stocks of solid fuel. Inevitably, any sudden onset of severe weather is likely to cause some temporary dislocation. The contingency plans for minimising its effects are kept under regular review by the fuel industries.
Below I summarise the reports sent to me, at my request, by the individual industries.
Coal.—Stocks of coal held by the Central Electricity Generating Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board are substantial. Together with the agreed winter programme of supply, they should be ample to meet the Board's requirements. Stocks of coking coal at collieries and coke ovens are high and there will be no difficulty in meeting the requirements of the British Steel Corporation and other users of coke. There should also be no difficulty in meeting the need for solid fuel of industry generally.
Stocks of house coal held by merchants and at collieries are less than normal due to the lower overall output of coal and to a strong demand by consumers extending into the spring and summer. In general, consumers are believed to have stocked up as much as possible. Measures taken by the National Coal Board, with 767W the co-operation of the unions, are resulting in an increase in the output of house coal; and the Board hopes to have increased colliery stocks by the end of November. If the increase in output were not maintained, there could be shortages of house coal in the event of a severe winter. Stocks and production of smokeless fuels in general are adequate. Anthracite is being imported by the NCB in conjunction with the coal trade to supplement home production.
Gas.—In all likely weather conditions no difficulties are envisaged in maintaining full gas supplies to domestic and to all firm industrial and commercial customers provided that no abnormal mechanical difficulties are experienced with transmission or offshore equipment, and that at the same time the system does not have excessive demands made on it during extreme weather conditions because other fuels are experiencing supply difficulties. I am advised that it is unlikely that the transmission system itself would be adversely affected by weather.
Electricity.—The coal supply position at power stations generally is satisfactory. Although below last year's high level, stocks are higher than at the corresponding period in the previous two years. No difficulties are foreseen in securing oil fuels. If overhead lines are brought down by snow or ice some consumers in the remoter regions may suffer temporary loss of electricity, but widespread interruptions of supply are unlikely on this score.
Oil.—The industry is entering the winter with United Kingdom oil stocks at planned levels, and with spare capacity at the refineries. On the assumption that there will be no import difficulties, or shortage of crude oil, it foresees little difficulty in meeting expected demand. Refining and distribution activities do, of course, rely on the ability of others to keep railways, highways and communications open.