MKK 160/1
RECEIVEL.
30 JUN 1786
RUHARGUED UNTIL 26 JUNE 198
ENERGY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION:
PA 1661
16611 (186A (fаховик I faxed 6 HK for
Yaalay d'PS Gov.) B
THE IMPENDING CHALLENGE A MAJOR
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE RT HON PETER WALKER MBE MP, SECRETARY OF
STATE FOR ENERGY
}
[
1
The availability of energy is the very foundation of the world
economy.
Britain's success in the Industrial Revolution was due to the skill
with which we applied our energy resources to the needs of
manufacturing.
Since the Second World War the fluctuating price of energy has been
the most sensational cause of boom and recession.
Oil appeared to be the source of cheap energy. Then suddenly in
1973 the OPEC countries decided to create a cartel in the provision
of oil, and succeeded in bringing about the biggest redistribution
of wealth the world has ever known. A redistribution that created
for Western Europe the worst economic recession of this century, and
plunged many countries deep into paralysing debt.
This century is the first in the history of mankind when a world crippled by a a shortage of energy has become a possibility. I f
this century has created energy problems with a quadrupling of the world's population and a gigantic increase in industrialisation, the problems facing the Twentieth Century are as nothing compared with
the problems of the Twenty-First century.
Britain is far better blessed for energy than any other
manufacturing country in the world. We are the only manufacturing country in the western world that is a net exporter of energy. gas, coal, and nuclear power are all available. But for Britain the Twenty-First century will create serious energy problems.
Oil,
1
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.