HC Deb 23 April 1964 vol 693 cc1486-7
17. Mr. Albu

asked the Minister of Power whether he will introduce legislation in this session to provide for the underground storage of gas.

Mr. Erroll

I am anxious to introduce the Bill as soon as possible, but it will be a long and complicated Measure and I doubt that it would be possible to find Parliamentary time in this Session.

Mr. Albu

As the Government have practically nothing to do till the end of this Parliament, and as this matter has been under consideration in the Department for about three years now, could not the right hon. Gentleman have a word with his hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary and get his view, since he had something to do with reporting on this matter when he was a member of the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries?

Mr. Erroll

My Department has had a good ration this Session. Two Bills are already Acts. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman should address his questions about the allocation of time for the remainder of the Session to my right hon. and learned Friend the Leader of the House.

Dr. Bray

Is the Minister afraid that the underground storage of gas beneath Winchester might have a harmful effect upon the by-election?

Mr. Erroll

No; we are considering attractive anticlines at Huyton.

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