§ 1. Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on proposals made to him regarding the storage of gas underground in Great Britain.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Mr. Reginald Freeson)My right hon. Friend has not received any proposals for the underground storage of gas.
§ Mr. MartenAs one of the proposals in the mind of the Gas Council is that gas should be stored underground in my constituency, in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Cotswolds, can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that, if a request is put to him, he will take fully into account the views of the local people, particularly as regards the superstructure above ground which need not be ugly if enough money is spent on it?
§ Mr. FreesonAs the hon. Gentleman knows, there has been close consultation already between the Gas Council and the local planning authority on this matter. Indeed, the Gas Council invited local authority members and, I think, the hon. Gentleman, to visit France where there are similar works. The Council has given an undertaking for the closest possible consultation before any moves are made in the matter.