HC Deb 08 June 1981 vol 6 cc7-8
5. Mr. Dover

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take steps to permit British Gas to provide gas supplies to householders whose homes are situated more than 25 yards from existing mains.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The question of supplying gas to premises beyond the statutory obligation to supply is a matter for the British Gas Corporation.

Mr. Dover

Does the Minister not agree that the decision could be left at his discretion to the British Gas Corporation itself? Does he see any point in advertising gas supplies when these are not available to new consumers or to housing estates built by private developers?

Mr. Lamont

My hon. Friend has written to me about the matter. He will know that this restraint on the obligation to supply has existed since the Gasworks Clauses Act 1871. Obviously, the Gas Corporation, in deciding whether it is economic to supply gas to an individual consumer, has to take into account the cost if the distance involved exceeds 25 yards. If the obligation to supply were totally unlimited, considerable costs would be involved for other consumers. I shall look again at the letter sent by my hon. Friend. It is difficult, however, to see how his constituent can be helped.

Mr. Gwilym Roberts

Will the hon. Gentleman not accept that, in view of the enormous profits made from gas in general, although not from domestic gas, it is time to look again at this provision? Will he say how many tens of thousands of houses equipped with gas fittings are out of contact with gas mains? Has he studied the appalling case I brought to his attention in Chadsmoor, Cannock, where houses have been modernised by the council but the gas board has refused, unless a large sum of money is paid, to make a minor connection to the houses?

Mr. Lamont

I shall be writing to the hon. Gentleman about the case he has raised. On the first point, I accept that we can look at these things. However, other people, including industrial consumers, ask constantly for relief from the pressure of gas prices. Some industrial consumers are desperately short of gas. This has been a major concern among hon. Members.