HC Deb 27 June 1963 vol 679 cc1630-1
9. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Power what effect the import of methane gas in the newly constructed tankers will have upon the gas industry of this country; and what consideration he gave, in approving the policy of methane imports, to the effect on the employment of men now engaged in the gas industry.

Mr. Wood

Imports of liquid methane from North Africa will give the gas industry a new raw material of special technological value and will thereby strengthen the industry's competitive position. The present scheme will provide about one-tenth of total gas supplies and is unlikely to have any significant effect on employment prospects in the industry.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that this is a new industry and it is likely to put out of employment a large number of miners and gas producers? The tanker for carrying this gas has already been launched and it is estimated that 700,000 tons will be imported in a very few years. That is bound to have an effect on these two industries. What preparations are being made to arrange for the workers in these industries to find other employment?

Mr. Wood

I discussed at considerable length when I made the decision some time ago what would be the likely effect on the coal industry, which was the main question at that time. In the gas industry, as the hon. Member knows, technological developments are taking place which on the whole require fewer men to produce a given volume of gas than do the old methods. That is natural. Therefore, I cannot see that this particular decision to produce a proportion of the country's needs in gas in this way will be any more inimical to employment in the gas industry than a number of other technological developments which are taking place.

Mr. Awbery

Is not the importation of 700,000 tons of liquid gas bound to have a serious effect on the men producing gas in this country today? If not, why introduce this gas?

Mr. Wood

I do not think it likely to have any more effect on the men producing gas than the making of gas from oil feed stocks. That, as the hon. Member knows, is taking place at an increasing rate at present and employment in the gas industry, although dropping, is dropping at a very controlled and reasonable rate, and so far I have heard of no difficulties.