Description

In the present discussions on the subjeet of energy, general agreement has been reached that the dependeney upon imports will eontinue inevitably for an indefinite period of time. In future, the inerease of imports will, however, decrease to the degree in which nuclear power beeomes available at reason- able priees. Further, there is agreement that anthraeite must earry the load for the reasonable rationalization in technieal and economie fields and that no solutions may be found which would hinder or stop this development. Moreover, it was for the most part the eoneensus that anthraeite should remain in the market in the quantities presently being mined. In order to attain this goal, we in the Federal Republie will not be able - until such time as the transitional period necessary for the realization of the Common Market in Europe in 1970 has eome to a close - to dispense with anational energy poliey. The following means will have to be implemented pragmati- eally as the oceasion demands: import quotas, eoal tariffs and fuel oil tax, oil lieensing, possible limitation of eleetrieal power to domestie primary power soure es and perhaps more stringent legislation with respeet to air purifieation. Considered individually, these measures are not suitable means.