§ 2. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Power what value of North Sea gas was utilised in 1968 expressed in £ million, correct to the nearest £ million; what are comparable figures planned for 1969 and 1970, respectively; and what impact, measured in millions of tons of coal equivalent, such North Sea gas consumption will have on the coal industry, notably in the matter of pit closures and diminution of coal mining labour.
§ Mr. FreesonThe estimate for the financial year 1968–69 is £15 million and for the two following financial years, £36 million and £62 million, respectively. The greater part of the North Sea gas available to us in the next two years is likely to replace oil and the impact on the coal industry will be slight.
§ Sir G. NabarroWill the Minister undertake to publish in a suitable form in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of contracts he has made for North Sea gas, with whom the contracts have been made, what is the coal equivalent in millions of tons that this gas represents and when the balance of the contracts is expected to be completed?
§ Mr. FreesonIf the hon. Gentleman puts down a Question on those points we will do our best to give him the details he requires.