§ 21. Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many tons of coal were consumed in power stations during each of the past four years; what is the estimated consumption in 1982; and if he will give comparable figures for oil-fired power stations over the same period.
§ Mr. John MooreI will arrange for detailed figures in respect of the last four years to be published in theOfficial Report. However, the hon. Member will be interested to know that in 1978 the consumption of coal was 80.87 million tonnes rising to an estimated 87 million tonnes in 1981 while over the same period oil consumption was more than halved, falling from 19.49 million tonnes to an estimated 8 million tonnes of coal equivalent. For 1982 the consumption of coal and oil in power stations will depend upon a number of factors including electricity demand and the availability and relative prices of fuels.