asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when is the rationing and load shedding of electricity supplies likely to cease.

I cannot yet give a precise date since a number of factors are involved, such as the continuing rate at which existing stocks can be moved to power stations, a return to work by the coal miners, weather conditions and the continued co-operation of commercial and domestic consumers in using no more electricity than is strictly necessary. As for the partial removal of rationing for industry, the right hon. Member will be aware of the statement by my hon. Friend the Minister for Industry yesterday to the House.