HC Deb 17 December 1985 vol 89 c124W
Mr. Coombs

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what proportion of Britain's energy needs is met by (a) oil, (b) gas, (c) coal, (d) nuclear fuel and (e) other sources; and what were the figures in 1979, 1974, 1970, 1964 and 1959.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The following table gives the proportions of primary energy consumption met by each of the fuels, based on the volume of coal or coal equivalent. The use of fuels for non-energy purposes is included.

£ million
Financial year Net repayment of Government loans Interest on out standing loans
BGC ESI BGC ESI
1975–76 77 (95) 136 272
1976–77 136 320 125 301
1977–78 510 110 106 281
1978–79 606 7 59 296
1979–80 109 (837) 7 274
1980–81 (296) 412
1981–82 449 464
1982–83 (25) 387
1983–84 857 379
1984–85 553 295

() represents additional borrowing.

Since the full repayment of Government loans in 1979–80, the British Gas Corporation has been investing funds surplus to its requirements on interest-earning deposit with the public sector. These remain in the ownership of the corporation.

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