CAB129-45 — Page 28

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11657-Economic Survey-Galley 8-continued

is that of a normal year. This would represent an increase of 3.5 million tons (3.8 per cent.) over actual consumption last summer. The main increases expected are for power stations, gas works, coke ovens and general industry. In addition, it is proposed to make some increase in the provision for house coal over last summer's level.]

It

[38. It is essential that by the end of the summer total distributed stocks should amount to at least 18 million tons and that, if possible, they should be brought up to 20 million tons. It is expected that, at the end of the present winter, stocks will amount to between 9 and 10 million tons. is proposed therefore to provide for a stockbuild of at least 8.5 million tons during the summer and, if circumstances prove favourable, to increase this provision by 2 million tons, in order to secure the full 20 million tons stock target. Provision has also to be made for exports and bunkers at substantially the same level as during the present winter (4.5 million tons).]

Electricity

41. Thanks in the main to the achievement of a better balance between supplies of different types of equipment, the net increase in electricity generating capacity in 1950 was much the largest on record--no less than 965,000 kilowatts, compared with the previous record of 759,000 kilowatts in 1938. In 1950, for the first time, installation of new turbo-alternators exceeded a million kilowatts. Nevertheless, new plant coming into service during the year was not enough to offset the growth of demand, and in spite of measures to spread the load shedding was frequent during the winter months. New construction is proceeding well, and a steady increase in commissioning is therefore to be expected in 1951, but peak demand during the winter is likely to remain in excess of maximum generating capacity for some years to come.

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