HC Deb 17 March 1981 vol 1 c57W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take steps to create a strategic stockpile of coal totalling up to 8 million tons; and if he will undertake a survey of the storage facilities which could be used for such a stockpile.

Mr. John Moore

No. Substantial stocks of coal are held in the United Kingdom on a commercial basis by NCB and by coal consumers.

Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what he estimates to be the cost of stockpiling 1 million tonnes of coal per annum.

Mr. John Moore

I am informed by the NCB that the present cost to revenue account of putting coal to stock rather than selling it is some £6 to £7 per tonne including interest in the first year. The subsequent cost of maintaining coal in stock would depend on the length of time for which stocks were held, and the interest charge for financing the stocking.