§ 18. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Minister of Power how much land has been purchased by the Gas Council specifically for the storage, distribution, and processing of natural gas; and how much of this land is located on or near the coast.
§ Mr. MarshNo land has been purchased for the storage or distribution of natural gas. Forty-four acres have been purchased at Easington for the processing of gas from the B.P. strike with a coastal frontage of about 320 yards.
§ Mr. OsbornHow much land is intended to be purchased by the Gas Council? Will the Minister bear in mind that if this land is on the coast, particularly the Norfolk coast, good rural land will be given over to industry? Will he consider making representations to the Gas Council to ensure that it will purchase land inland and not on the coast?
§ Mr. MarshOn the actual amounts, the Gas Council has applied for planning consent for about 130 acres at Bacton in Norfolk, Shell has applied for 60 acres on an adjacent site; such applications go to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. Various factors and representations made from time to time will be taken into account.