asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will indicate the total cost of coal to the Central Electricity Generating Board in each of the past five years and the anticipated annual cost after 1st July 1975, assessed on an annual basis.

According to data from the CEGB statistical yearbook 1973–74, the figures for the last five financial years are as follows:

	£m.
1969–70	335·3
1970–71	367·6
1971–72	388·2
1972–73	411·7
1973–74	427·2

A corresponding figure for the present financial year is not yet available.In view of the uncertainties affecting the future demand for electricity, such as the variations in average temperature from year to year and the prices and availabilities of alternative fuels, I do not consider that publication of estimates of future consumption would be helpful.