§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Energy by how much coal demand lessened in 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982, expressed in tonnages and percentages of total output.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe table below shows the change in inland coal consumption in tonnes and as a percentage of total output between 1979 and 1982:
1979 1980 1981 1982 Total Inland Consumption (mt) 129.6 120.8 118.2 110.7 Change in consumption from previous year (mt) +9.7 -8.8 -2.6 -7.5 Total Coal Output (mt) 122.4 130.1 127.5 124.7 Change in consumption as a percentage of total coal output (%) + 8 -6.8 -2 -6 Source: Digest of UK energy Statistics 1983.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Energy what types of coal are now in short supply, in what regions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThis is essentially a matter for the National Coal Board and the coal trade. The board and the trade are co-operating fully to ensure that so far as is practicable all essential needs for coal are met.