HC Deb 17 June 1974 vol 875 cc18-9
12. Mr. Robert Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of British Gas proposals for converting from town to natural gas had been completed up to the most convenient date.

Mr. Strang

I am advised by British Gas that at the end of March, 76 per cent. of conversion work had been completed.

Mr. Taylor

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that this conversion has been carried out with the minimum of inconvenience to the general public and that the congratulations of the House are due to the management and employees, whether of nationalised industries or not, for the fine way in which they have done the work, and will no doubt continue to carry it out?

Mr. Strang

I am sure that the management and workers of British Gas will be most encouraged, as will be the contractors, by the hon. Gentleman's remarks.

Mr. Rost

Will the hon. Gentleman give a reassurance that the British Gas Corporation will be able to cope with conversion for those people who will want to switch from heating by night storage electricity to gas?

Mr. Strang

The hon. Gentleman is raising a quite separate issue.