HC Deb 26 November 1984 vol 68 cc605-6
3. Mr. Wallace

asked the Secretary of State for Energy by how much he expects demand for gas in the domestic sector to increase by the year 2000.

The Minister of State, Department of Energy (Mr. Alick Buchanan-Smith)

The British Gas Corporation estimates that domestic gas demand will rise from 9.1 billion therms in 1983–84 to about 10.8 billion therms in the year 2000. However, such estimates are subject to considerable uncertainty.

Mr. Wallace

How does that increase in demand of 12 or 13 per cent. compare with the stated belief of the Secretary of State that he wishes energy conservation to contribute to a reduction of 20 per cent.? Will that be done by substituting solid fuels or electricity for gas—there is no sign of the other nationalised bodies taking that lying down—or is it the case that the British Gas Corporation and the Energy Efficiency Office have not got their act together?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman takes this interest in conservation. I hope he is reassured by the fact that in those estimates the British Gas Corporation has taken account of conservation measures which it believes can be achieved. The Government and the British Gas Corporation are wholly at one in their drive for further conservation, which is already proving extremely successful.

Sir Dudley Smith

Does my right hon. Friend believe that the strong minority demand for gas in rural areas and villages will still be unsatisfied by the year 2000? Is he aware that the gas corporation's charges for connection are wholly unrealistic and well beyond the means of most people who would like to be connected to the system?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

My hon. Friend knows that that matter is raised with me from time to time. The British Gas Corporation is bound by the statutory position decided by the House. I think that knowledge of the position in the year 2000 will be surrounded by even more uncertainty than the figures I cited earlier.

Mr. Rowlands

Do the Government accept the recent forecasts for supply and demand made by the British Gas Corporation, which clearly showed that the corporation needs Sleipner gas? Where do the Government stand with regard to Sleipner?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Negotiations on Sleipner gas are still proceeding, and we shall have to wait to see how they get on.