§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy by how much current stocks of coal at about 40 million tonnes will be reduced in the next 12 months by the Government's coal conversion scheme; and what additional steps he is taking, apart from exports at nil profits, to reduce stocks.
§ Mr. John MooreOver the next few years the conversion scheme might lead to an increase in total coal consumption in industry of about 2 million tonnes per annum. The effect over the next 12 months, however, will be small because of the time required by firms to plan and install new boiler capacity. The National Coal Board is also urgently reviewing all possible ways in which coal stocks can be reduced in an orderly and efficient manner. 409W This includes discussion with the British Steel Corporation and the CEGB over the replacement of imports by NCB coal.