asked the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of public electricity supply has been generated by oil-fired power stations during the duration of the miners' strike.

On a fuel used basis, 44 per cent. of the electricity produced by the United Kingdom public supply system in the period April to December 1984 was derived from oil.

Will my hon. Friend use this opportunity to pay tribute to the workers at oil-fired power stations, who stepped up production substantially during the miners' strike to maintain supplies? Is my hon. Friend aware that the strike included a period when demand in Britain reached an all-time peak?

I gladly join my hon. Friend in those congratulations. The CEGB coped admirably with the difficulties.